York Crime Rate

York's crime statistics, based on data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveal a complex picture. The city’s overall crime rate stands at 114.7 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While the trend shows a slight decrease of 2.6% year-on-year, certain crime categories remain a significant concern. Violence and sexual offences are particularly prevalent, alongside anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Understanding these trends and specific crime types is crucial for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

York’s crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, accounting for 30.8% of all reported crimes, significantly above the UK average of 10%. Anti-social behaviour also remains a prominent issue, representing 25.6% of recorded incidents, almost double the national figure. Shoplifting contributes another 11% of crimes, demonstrating a persistent challenge for businesses within the city. Overall, property crime in York stands at 38.6 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the need for focused preventative measures. The data underscores the importance of community engagement and targeted interventions to address these key crime areas.

The overall crime rate in York has seen a slight decrease of 2.6% year-on-year, indicating a period of relative stability. However, this overall trend masks fluctuations in specific crime categories. While shoplifting has decreased by 19.3%, robbery has seen a substantial increase of 139.0%, demanding heightened attention. Monthly data reveals peaks and troughs, with August 2025 exhibiting the highest monthly crime rate at 10.7 per 1,000, while January 2026 recorded the lowest at 7.6 per 1,000.

How To Keep Safe in York

York has a moderate crime rate, with violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting being the most common concerns. To stay safe, be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider using well-lit, populated routes. Secure your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist hotspots. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Consider joining local community watch schemes to stay informed about local safety concerns and initiatives. If you experience anti-social behaviour, report it to the authorities. Remember to lock your doors and windows, and be mindful of your online safety, protecting yourself from scams and online harassment. Stay vigilant and trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Crime in York tends to fluctuate throughout the day. Burglary attempts are more common in the morning and afternoon, while theft and vehicle crime are frequently observed during commercial hours. The evening period, particularly between 6pm and 12am, sees a rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime spikes, with 25% of incidents occurring during these hours, suggesting a need for increased vigilance during these periods.

York's crime rate is higher than that of its neighbouring local authorities. Osbaldwick boasts a considerably lower crime rate of 41.5 per 1,000, while Huntington (York) has a rate of 86.1 per 1,000, indicating that York’s crime levels are more elevated compared to some surrounding areas.

Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive solution. Its multi-camera intelligence detects threats at your property boundary, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. Pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, ensuring alerts are only triggered by genuine threats. By leveraging this technology, you can move beyond reactive security and actively prevent crime, creating a safer environment for your home and family.