York Crime Rate

York is a safe and secure city with an overall crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is almost identical to the UK national average of 91.6, and the area maintains a high safety score of 80/100, which is above the UK average of 79. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor -2.2% decrease year-over-year, indicating a consistent and predictable security environment for its population of over 200,000 people. While York's status as a major tourism and retail hub leads to higher levels of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the city centre, the majority of the local authority area remains exceptionally quiet. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring across York to help residents stay informed and maintain their personal and property security.

York is a historic city and a major administrative centre in North Yorkshire. Its crime statistics are influenced by its status as a world-class tourism destination, a significant university hub, and a key regional transport junction. The city attracts millions of visitors annually to its medieval streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant retail districts, which can lead to higher levels of opportunistic crime in the city centre.

The overall crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 residents is slightly above the UK average, reflecting its dual nature as both a quiet residential area and a busy urban hub. The presence of two major universities brings a large student population, which can influence statistics related to bicycle theft and anti-social behaviour. Economic factors, including a strong retail sector and a busy night-time economy, also play a role in the local crime profile. While the historic core is busier, the surrounding suburban and rural parts of the local authority area are exceptionally safe. Understanding York's crime data requires acknowledging the impact of its tourism and student populations, which are primary factors in the volume of reported incidents in specific categories like shoplifting and ASB.

In York, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.6% of all reported incidents at a rate of 28.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the second most common category at 25.6%, followed by shoplifting at 11.4%. These figures reflect a busy urban environment with a significant tourism and retail presence, where public-facing incidents are frequent.

The overall property crime rate in York is 31.1 per 1,000 people. This composite figure includes shoplifting (11.4%), criminal damage and arson (7.2%), other theft (4.7%), bicycle theft (3.2%), and burglary (3.1%). For residents and business owners, these statistics indicate that opportunistic theft is a persistent concern. The high volume of shoplifting and bicycle theft suggests that commercial areas and student zones are the main hotspots for these activities. While burglary represents a smaller percentage of the total, the rate of 2.9 per 1,000 remains a key area for resident vigilance. Homeowners should be aware that while the city is generally safe, the diversity of property-related crimes highlights the importance of securing both the home and personal belongings, particularly bicycles.

York has seen a stable trend in its safety profile over the past year, with a minor -2.2% decrease in total crime. This stability is a positive indicator for the city and suggests that local security and policing are maintaining a consistent standard.

Analysis of the monthly trendData shows that crime rates followed a relatively predictable pattern throughout the year. Activity began at 6.7 in January and fluctuated slightly, reaching a peak of 8.7 per 1,000 residents in July. The lowest rates were recorded in February (6.3) and December (6.6). This pattern suggests that the summer holiday period sees the highest concentration of incidents, likely linked to the influx of tourists and increased outdoor activity in the city. The consistent and relatively stable monthly rates highlight York's status as a safe city to live and visit. For residents, this means that while the overall risk remains consistent, continued vigilance during the busier summer months is advisable.

In the local regional context, York (92.3 per 1,000) is the primary urban centre for this part of North Yorkshire. In the comparison data provided, nearby areas such as East Riding of Yorkshire, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Wakefield, Doncaster, and Bradford all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. While these figures likely represent a data anomaly in the comparison set, they highlight York as a distinct city with its own unique crime profile. For those living or working in the area, this context emphasizes the importance of understanding local urban-rural differences and maintaining appropriate security measures in the busier city centre.

With a property crime rate of 31.1 per 1,000 in York, and shoplifting and ASB being significant drivers of the local rate, residents and business owners need a security strategy that provides peace of mind both inside and outside the home. Traditional security systems, like basic CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they record an event but do nothing to prevent it. In a busy city like York, where opportunistic theft and criminal damage are persistent risks, reactive recording is often too late to provide real protection.

scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your property. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your boundaries, scOS can detect suspicious activity in real-time. If a threat is identified, the system can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to deter the offender. For homeowners in York, the ability to protect the property perimeter and prevent burglary or bicycle theft before it starts is a major advantage. Moving from simple recording to active, AI-driven prevention is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure across the city. Professional-grade security signals to potential offenders that your property is not an easy target.

How To Keep Safe in York

The most common crime type in York is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Given the city's status as a major tourism hub and its active nightlife, personal safety in public spaces is a key consideration.

To stay safe in the city centre, remain aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and weekends. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated riverside paths or unlit shortcuts after dark. If you are socialising at local venues, ensure you have a safe and planned route home.

Property crime is a persistent concern, with a rate of 31.1 per 1,000. Shoplifting and bicycle theft are particularly common. To protect your property, ensure your home is fully secured with high-quality locks. If you use a bicycle, use a robust D-lock and secure it in a well-lit, busy area. Consider registering your bike on a national database.

Vehicle crime is relatively low but still occurs. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a great way to stay informed about local trends and look out for your neighbours, contributing to the overall safety of the community across the city. Staying informed is the best way to maintain the security of your home and belongings.