York Crime Rate

York recorded an annual crime rate of 91.8 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is marginally above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a slightly elevated risk compared to the national baseline. While overall crime has remained stable, with a -2.6% year-on-year decrease, certain crime types demonstrate concerning trends, particularly in relation to violence and anti-social behaviour. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics in York, offering insights into prevalent offences and practical advice for residents.

York's crime statistics are influenced by a combination of factors. As a historic city with a significant tourist population, York experiences increased footfall and potential opportunities for crime. The city's vibrant nightlife and commercial areas also contribute to incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. The demographic makeup, with a mix of students, families, and older residents, can also impact crime patterns. Furthermore, the presence of densely populated areas alongside more rural regions within the local authority creates disparities in crime rates. The higher crime rate within the city centre itself (114.7 per 1,000) compared to more rural areas, such as Wheldrake (11.4 per 1,000), underscores these complexities.

York’s crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences (5948 crimes), accounting for 28.4 per 1,000 residents, and anti-social behaviour (4968 crimes), at 23.7 per 1,000. These represent 31.0% and 25.9% of all reported crime respectively. Shoplifting is also a significant concern, with 2109 incidents reported (10.1 per 1,000). Overall property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and criminal damage, stands at 30.3 per 1,000, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures. While burglary itself has decreased year-on-year (-19.6%), the continued prevalence of other property crimes demands attention.

Crime in York has shown a stable trend, decreasing by -2.6% year-on-year between January 2025 and January 2026. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, peaking in July 2025 at 8.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, and reaching a low of 6.1 per 1,000 in January 2026. This suggests a seasonal pattern, although the overall decline indicates a positive direction in crime reduction. However, the increase in robbery (+132.1% YoY) warrants further investigation and targeted interventions.

York’s crime rate (91.8 per 1,000) sits between that of its neighbours. The East Riding of Yorkshire (59.5 per 1,000) is considerably safer, while Leeds (128.7 per 1,000), North Yorkshire (66.0 per 1,000), Wakefield (121.6 per 1,000), Doncaster (132.5 per 1,000), and Bradford (132.5 per 1,000) all experience higher crime rates. Comparing York to areas within the district reveals a stark contrast, with Wheldrake boasting a rate of just 11.4 per 1,000, highlighting significant variations within the local authority.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. scOS offers a proactive approach, utilising AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence system continuously monitors all cameras, ensuring no blind spots. With York's crime rate slightly above the UK average (91.8 vs 91.2 per 1,000), the ability to deter criminals before they act can offer a significant advantage. The Vehicle Verification feature can also be particularly useful, given the vehicle crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000, preventing theft and unauthorized access.

How To Keep Safe in York

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. With anti-social behaviour also a significant issue, reporting incidents to the authorities promptly can help deter further occurrences. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community safety. Finally, securing your property with robust locks and alarms can significantly reduce the risk of burglary, which, despite a decrease, remains a concern.