York’s November 2023 crime profile was defined by an unexpected spike in shoplifting, a category that rose sharply by 17.2% to 245 incidents. This surge, while consistent with the Black Friday shopping period, contrasts with the city’s broader trend of declining overall crime rates, which fell 12.4% from October’s 8.8 per 1,000 to 7.7 per 1,000—a rate 2.7% above the UK average. The city’s crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (31.2% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.6%) and shoplifting (15.2%). These figures highlight York’s dual role as a tourist destination and a historic urban centre, where high foot traffic and seasonal events can drive specific crime types. The elevated rate of anti-social behaviour, 43% above the UK average, may reflect the pressures of a bustling town centre during November, compounded by the darker evenings typical of the season. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s dramatic rise underscores the influence of retail-focused holidays on local crime patterns, a dynamic that local authorities may need to monitor closely. The overall rate, though slightly above the UK average, remains within a narrow margin, suggesting that York’s crime profile is broadly aligned with national trends despite its unique local characteristics.