Sheffield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Sheffield

Sheffield, a major city in South Yorkshire with a population of 582,493, recorded an overall crime rate of 113.9 per 1,000 people over the last year. This figure is higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively higher incidence of crime within the area. The property crime rate stands at 42.0 per 1,000, also above the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Sheffield's safety score is 74 out of 100, which is slightly below the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, the crime rate in Sheffield has remained stable, showing a marginal decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. This overview sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime types and trends across the city.

About Sheffield

Sheffield is a large, dynamic city in South Yorkshire, characterised by a diverse blend of urban, suburban, and industrial areas. With a population of over 580,000, it is a significant regional hub with a bustling city centre that includes extensive commercial districts, vibrant nightlife, and numerous cultural attractions. The presence of two major universities, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, contributes to a substantial student population, adding to the city's transient demographic and influencing activity levels in various neighbourhoods.

Economic factors and the variety of activities available across the city can also play a role in its crime statistics. The city's status as a transport hub, with a busy railway station and major road networks, can contribute to both population movement and opportunities for certain types of crime. Understanding these characteristics – from its dense urban core to its industrial heritage and large student community – provides valuable context for interpreting Sheffield's overall crime rate and safety score, reflecting the complexities inherent in a large, modern British city.

Crime Type Analysis

An analysis of crime types in Sheffield reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 20,885 incidents, or 31.5% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 35.9 per 1,000 people. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, with 10,830 incidents (16.3% of total crime, 18.6 per 1,000), and Shoplifting, which saw 6,465 reported cases (9.7% of total crime, 11.1 per 1,000). These top three crime types highlight key areas of concern for residents and local authorities.

Property-related crime in Sheffield, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, other theft, criminal damage and arson, robbery, theft from the person, and bicycle theft, collectively contributes significantly to the overall crime picture. Specifically, burglary stands at 3,339 crimes (5.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime at 4,305 (7.4 per 1,000), and other theft at 3,408 (5.8 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson recorded 5,085 incidents (8.7 per 1,000), whilst robbery (758 crimes, 1.3 per 1,000), theft from the person (660 crimes, 1.1 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (420 crimes, 0.7 per 1,000) also contribute. For residents and homeowners, the prevalence of these property crimes underscores the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and valuables.

Crime Trends in Sheffield

The crime rate in Sheffield has demonstrated a stable trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. This indicates that the overall volume of crime has remained largely consistent when comparing the current 12-month period to the previous one. Examining the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations; for instance, the crime rate per 1,000 people was 10.5 in October 2024, saw a dip to 8.7 in December 2024, and then rose again to 9.8 by March 2025. More recently, the rate was 10.2 in July 2025 before settling at 9.3 in September 2025.

These monthly variations suggest that while the long-term trend is stable, there are seasonal or short-term factors influencing crime levels. For residents, a stable trend means that the general risk environment has not significantly changed, but remaining aware of these minor fluctuations can still be beneficial for personal and property safety planning.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Sheffield can be compared to several nearby areas, including Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield, High Peak, Bolsover, and North East Derbyshire. As a major urban centre with a population of over half a million, Sheffield typically experiences higher crime volumes and rates than its more suburban or rural neighbours.

Barnsley and Rotherham, also significant towns in South Yorkshire, share some similar characteristics with Sheffield but generally have lower overall populations. Chesterfield, located just south in Derbyshire, and the more rural districts of High Peak, Bolsover, and North East Derbyshire, are likely to present different crime profiles, typically with lower rates of urban-centric crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. This comparison helps to contextualise Sheffield's crime statistics within the region, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities for safety in a large city environment compared to its diverse surrounding areas.

Protecting Your Property in Sheffield

Given Sheffield's property crime rate of 42.0 per 1,000 people, residents should consider robust security measures to safeguard their homes and belongings. While traditional security systems like Ring or Nest cameras record incidents, they often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. For genuine peace of mind and effective crime prevention, a proactive approach is essential.

Consider security solutions that focus on preventing crime before it happens. Modern AI-powered systems, such as scOS, detect threats at your property boundary, rather than merely recording a break-in. This proactive stance is crucial, as most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds of approaching a property. Visible deterrence, like that offered by professional-grade equipment, signals serious protection and often prompts potential intruders to move on. By focusing on prevention and real-time intervention, you can significantly enhance your property's security, moving beyond reactive recording to actively stopping threats at your property line.