The United Kingdom is made up of four puzzle pieces, which are known as the ancient islands. These include England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Dating all the way back to 1000 BCE, this place boasts a remarkable history and a fascinating culture.
The Tower of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are two of the most popular destinations for visitors who want to experience iconic landmarks or catch a glimpse of the Royals.
People flock to Wiltshire in search of the mystical wonder that is Stonehenge.
It’s no surprise that the United Kingdom boasts over 60,000 public houses, or as we commonly refer to them, “pubs”.
Regrettably, the population of 67.5 million inhabitants and increasing social tension have fostered a favourable setting for unlawful behaviour.
In terms of crime rate, the United Kingdom recorded 76 incidents per 1,000 people. However, England had the highest rate among the countries, with 84 reported cases.
According to statistics, robbery is the most frequently occurring crime in the UK, affecting 64,891 individuals or 110 per 100,000 people.
Instances of stabbings and sexual assaults have been increasing as well.
Experienced globetrotters are well aware of the need to exercise caution when exploring the British Isles, regardless of whether you find yourself in one of the safest or riskier regions of the UK.
10 Cities in the UK with the Highest Crime Rates
1. Cleveland
Unfortunately, Cleveland has recently been labelled as the “crime capital of England.”
The residents of this place, numbering around 140,000, were not taken aback by this disgraceful incident.
Located on the northeast coast of England, the region around the River Tees is a relatively small area comparable to a metropolitan county.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 139.6 events per 1,000 people, which is twice as many as in nearby North Yorkshire.
Out of all the crimes committed, a staggering 35.8% were violent crimes, with knife stabbings being the most frequently reported.
Regrettably, the area has gained notoriety for sexual assault, with a staggering 2,625 reported cases.
Although there are no officially designated “no-go zones” in Cleveland, the Middlesborough Estates are known for their prevalence of antisocial behavior.
Many tourists and locals alike are discouraged from exploring the city after dark or going out alone during the day due to the city’s high crime rate.
As expected, the local law enforcement authorities suggest that the citizens should have a set of “knife packs,” which consists of emergency essentials to be prepared in case of an attack.
2. Hartlepool
Located 260 miles north of London, Hartlepool is a charming seaside port community nestled in the county of Durham, England.
The approximate number of inhabitants in the region is around 92,500.
It’s regrettable that despite being a small town, Hartlepool struggles with a high crime rate of 142 per 1,000 residents.
Hartlepool’s crime rate of 61 has been fueled by over 5,523 cases of violent and sexual assaults, resulting in a 16% increase.
On the bright side, theft is not a major concern when it comes to the city’s backpacks and e-bikes, so you can feel more secure using them.
If you happen to be strolling around the areas of Old Town, Grange, or Foggy Furze, it is best to avoid doing so alone, especially at night.
3. Leeds
With a population of 812,000 residents, Leeds is the largest metropolis in West Yorkshire.
The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is famously known as the birthplace of the steam locomotive and the Middleton Colliery Railway, which holds the record for being the longest-running railway globally. However, amidst all the glory, the city has a slightly ominous achievement to its name.
According to recent statistics, Leeds has been recorded to have a 108% higher rate of infractions compared to the national rate in England. This translates to 133 infractions for every 1,000 people in the city.
According to the ONS, there were a total of 132,856 incidents reported, resulting in an overall crime rate of 56.2.
Leeds is known to have a high incidence of assault, which means that caution should be exercised both during the day and at night.
According to reports, the residents of the area have experienced nearly 10,000 incidents of sexual assault and over 55,000 cases of stalking or harassment.
Leeds may have a reputation for being a gloomy city, but there are bright spots to be found.
Located in the heart of the city, this moderate-sized urban centre serves as a bustling business and industrial hub. However, what truly sets it apart is its stunning Roundhay Park, which is considered one of the most popular parks in all of Europe. With a history dating back to William the Conqueror, this park is a true gem and a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
4. London
London, a magnificent city in Great Britain, is home to a staggering 9.5 million people.
The city of London has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as a Roman settlement known as Londinium in 47 AD. Its cultural significance to the Western world cannot be overstated.
Even though it’s not the worst, London’s crime rate is still a cause for concern, with a rate of 95 per 1,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
The bustling city life can also lead to an increase in crime, such as robbery and theft.
As you explore the various boroughs of London in search of the ideal pub, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.
According to the statistics, Westminster tops the list of being the most hazardous area, followed by Kensington and Chelsea.
Richmond upon Thames is considered to be the safest borough in London.
5. Liverpool
Last year, Liverpool, a part of Merseyside, recorded 120.2 crimes per 1,000, making it the home of the Beatles and also a place with a high crime rate.
According to local residents, there were more than 75,055 assaults and 23 homicides reported in the area.
Liverpool experiences high rates of crime, primarily due to drug trafficking. In fact, the city has the highest incident rate of drug-related offences in all of England, with a rate of 8.5 per 1,000.
When it comes to pickpockets, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Like any other big city, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and take preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that Liverpool’s crime rate is largely concentrated in specific areas that can be easily avoided, especially during nighttime. It is important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
As you explore the city, there is no shortage of captivating sights to behold.
The heart of the city, boasting a lively nightlife and innovative architecture, is widely regarded as the most secure location.
It’s generally considered safe to walk during the day, and public transportation, as well as licensed taxis, are also safe options.
6. Birmingham
Once known as the “City of 1000 Trades,” Birmingham is the second-largest city in England.
Currently, it serves as a prominent industrial centre and an expanding hub for both business and medical industries.
Despite being located in an urban centre, there are some areas that are safe and adorned with beautiful trees, adding to their charm.
Brummie is widely recognized by the locals as a city that boasts immense diversity.
The city boasts a population of nearly 857,000, comprising of diverse ethnicities and nationalities.
Although there have been some improvements in the past ten years, the reality is that it remains a centre for organized gang crime.
The lucrative drug dealing and gun-running operations are being contested by foreign nationals in a fierce battle for control.
The crime rate in Birmingham has surged to 45 crimes per 1,000 individuals, according to recent statistics.
In Birmingham, assault was found to be the most prevalent crime, with a staggering 76,805 cases reported. This statistic translates to a general rate of 66. On the other hand, bike theft recorded the fewest reports.
7. Leicester
Located in the heart of England’s East Midlands, Leicester is home to a population of approximately 350,000 individuals.
Known for its Premier League championship, the location boasts a tranquil atmosphere.
Despite the appearance of calm, the reality is that the city’s crime rate of 52 and 128 crimes per 1,000 people, as well as its top 10 ranking as a dangerous city, paint a different picture.
Throughout the past year, Leicester has seen a staggering amount of assault crimes, both personal and sexual, with a total of 21,815 incidents reported. These types of crimes are unfortunately prevalent in the area and require attention from law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
According to reports, the city boasts a low incidence of robbery and theft, which means you can rest assured that your belongings will be secure.
If you happen to be touring around Leicester, it’s advisable to exercise caution, particularly in the City Centre and New Parks neighbourhoods.
8. Manchester
Located in the northwest of England, Manchester is a charming city that attracts visitors from all over the world. A popular destination among tourists, many come to see the famous Etihad Stadium or catch a Manchester United match. Despite its modest size, Manchester has a lot to offer and is well worth a visit.
In addition to the usual attractions, there are some truly remarkable museums and monuments to visit as well.
Compared to the national average, Manchester’s crime rate is significantly higher.
Every year, Greater Manchester Police deals with approximately 200,000 crime reports. The most common types of crime reported are antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
According to statistics, the city has a high ranking in terms of burglary and gun crime, with a rate of 8.2 per 1,000.
Regrettably, the homeland of Cotton witnesses a high number of murders and assaults on a weekly basis. In fact, these incidents account for approximately 17% of all crimes committed in the area.
9. Sheffield
Sheffield, in northern England, is well-known for its industrial steel mills and the table game snooker.
Its population has increased significantly in the last five years, reaching 741,000 Britons.
With such growth comes an increase in crime.
Unfortunately, Sheffield has a shocking amount of antisocial crime for its population, with 103 offences per 1,000 British citizens, which is 24% higher than the national average.
Theft of bicycles and vandalism are at the top of the list of incidents. In addition, 354 robberies were reported last year.
If you visit Sheffield, make time to see the Sheffield Botanical Gardens and the award-winning Millennium Gallery, which are two of the city’s best attractions.
The Kelham Island Museum tells the narrative of Sheffield’s industrial past.
10. Belfast City
Belfast City is the capital of Northern Ireland.
It also has the dubious distinction of being one of the most violent cities in the United Kingdom.
Belfast has a population of approximately 640,000 people, with an overall crime rate that is 125% higher than in Northern Ireland and 34% higher than the national average.
There were 110 crimes per 1,000 people in Belfast.
Belfast’s biggest crimes were criminal damage, arson, and burglary, followed by 13,627 assaults and a crime rate of 49.
During the day, public transportation is reasonably safe.
However, the streets are packed, making pickpockets and petty larceny possible.
Stay attentive is the greatest tip for solo or group visitors in Belfast.
Despite the danger, Belfast is a lovely city with a rich history and enormous shipyards where the RMS Titanic was built.
With a little prudence, a journey to this historic city might be a one-of-a-kind and rewarding adventure.
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