The 10 most dangerous towns in England

Statistics suggest that crime in England has been increasing, and so has the responsibility of front-line and non-front-line staff holding a valid SIA licence.

Some towns in England now report crime levels that make day-to-day security work more complex. Retail security teams and business owners across England are facing growing challenges in dealing with crimes like shoplifting, violence, and antisocial behaviour, especially in certain high-risk towns.

For anyone working in security, whether as a door supervisor or a security guard, knowing what to expect is critical.

In this guide, we've identified the ten most dangerous places in England with the highest crime rates, using official Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. This provides security professionals and business owners with the facts they need to make informed decisions on staffing, coverage, and training.

What Makes a Town Dangerous?

Towns that appear in our list of the most dangerous places in England are based on certain factors such as theft, assault, criminal damage, and antisocial behaviour.

The focus is on towns with the highest crime rates per 1,000 residents, based on official ONS statistics.

This helps us compare towns fairly, regardless of their population size, and allows us to measure the concentration of crime in each area, rather than just looking at raw numbers.

We've also examined the types of crimes most commonly reported in each town, making the data more useful for those working in security or responsible for managing staff in public-facing environments.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Towns in England (Based on Crime Rate)

Let's have a look at the ten most dangerous towns in England, ranked by their overall crime rate per 1,000 residents.

Listed towns have the highest crime rates relative to population size, helping you understand where the most concentrated risks lie.

Table Crime Rate in the 10 Most Dangerous Towns (2024 Data)

Source: ONS crime data for CSPs (Dec 2024).

Now that we've seen the crime data at a glance, let's take a closer look at each town to understand what's driving the numbers. From types of crime to their impact on daily operations.

Crime Breakdown: What's Happening in The Roughest Towns in England Towns

While crime rates provide a sense of scale, they don't always reveal what security teams face on a daily basis.

Below, we take a closer look at each town on our list, examining the types of crime that are most common, as well as recent real-world incidents that reflect the challenges on the ground.

Manchester (Crime rate: 172.6 per 1,000)

Manchester has one of the highest crime rates in England. The city struggles with persistent levels of violent assault, gun crime, theft, and antisocial behaviour, particularly in and around retail centres and nightlife zones.

Recent Incident (25 Jan 2025): A 21-year-old man was arrested and later sentenced for the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Badri Issa in a city-centre layby. His family described Badri as a peacemaker. He tried to intervene in an argument before he was stabbed.

Middlesbrough (Crime rate: 161.6 per 1,000)

Middlesbrough reports high volumes of violent crime, knife incidents, and antisocial behaviour. The town often sees tensions flare in public areas and residential estates, posing an increased risk for staff working alone or at night.

Recent incident (12 Nov 2024): 24-year-old Ellis Dismore was convicted of attempted murder after stabbing a 15-year-old girl in the back on a quiet residential street. He targeted her at random, believing she looked paedophile-esque.

Blackpool (157.3 per 1,000)

Blackpool faces frequent incidents of drug offences, robbery, and aggressive shoplifting, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like the seafront and central shopping zones.

Recent Incident (14 Feb 2025): Three teenage suspects were charged after an armed robbery at a local off-licence. One suspect punched the shop worker before fleeing with the takings from the till.

Hartlepool (149.2 per 1,000)

Hartlepool continues to face issues with alcohol-fuelled violence, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour, especially in and around licensed premises.

Recent Incident (10 Mar 2025): A 36-year-old male was arrested during a violent altercation outside a well-known pub on Green Lane after he assaulted two men, one with a broken bottle, leaving them with serious facial injuries.

Liverpool (Crime rate: 149.0 per 1,000)

Liverpools crime concerns are closely linked to organised crime, including gang-related violence, illegal weapons, and Class A drug offences.

Recent incident (7 Feb 2025): Police served warrants across five addresses during a morning operation in North Liverpool, seizing three semi-automatic firearms, knives, and quantities of Class A and B drugs. Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply weapons and drugs.

Hull (Kingston upon Hull) (Crime rate: 136.7 per 1,000)

Hull sees consistent issues with shoplifting, domestic violence, and property damage. Incidents often occur during working hours, affecting retail and public-facing teams.

Recent incident (8 Jan 2025): A man smashed the front window of a city-centre boutique with a crowbar in broad daylight and was arrested nearby. The cost of repairs exceeded 4,000.

Doncaster (Crime rate: 134.1 per 1,000)

Doncaster reports rising youth violence, often involving weapons. These are frequently seen in busy public areas, such as bus stations and town centres.

Recent incident (22 Feb 2025): An altercation involving a group of five teenagers armed with metal poles broke out near the bus station. Three youths were arrested, and two victims were treated for cuts and bruises.

Bradford (Crime rate: 132.4 per 1,000)

Bradford experiences persistent issues with knife crime and gang violence, with frequent reports of attacks in residential areas and near schools.

Recent incident (18 Mar 2025): A 17-year-old male was stabbed in the leg outside a takeaway in Manningham. CCTV footage led police to arrest the three suspected gang members.

Leicester (Crime rate: 125.0 per 1,000)

Leicester's crime is often linked to commercial break-ins and daytime robberies, affecting city centre businesses and security patrols.

Recent incident (15 Jan 2025): Armed response units confronted two men after a suspected daylight robbery at a jewellery store. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Nottingham (Crime rate: 124.6 per 1,000)

Nottingham sees regular incidents of stabbing, theft, and vandalism, particularly in areas surrounding nightlife venues and university districts.

Recent incident (28 Feb 2025): Two men suffered stab wounds during an altercation outside a student bar on Burleigh Street. One suspect was later arrested based on witness statements.

The takeaway from these incidents is clear: crime in these towns is varied, severe, and often targeted at public spaces. For security guards, retail managers, and public-facing teams, understanding local crime patterns is crucial for maintaining day-to-day safety, effective incident response planning, and staff training.

Towns vs Cities: A Broader Look at Crime in England

Crime and violence aren't confined to England's most significant cities anymore. As we've just seen, towns like Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, and Doncaster are reporting crime rates that rival major urban centres.

But what about the cities themselves?

To get a complete picture, let's have a look at the 10 most dangerous cities in England, based on available crime rate data.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in England (2024)

Both towns and cities are facing rising threats due to the growing number of reported crimes. The combined lists above highlight some of the most dangerous places in England today.

To stay safe and operate without fear, it's crucial for business owners especially those managing venues with high footfall to invest in SIA-approved contractors and hire well-trained security professionals.

With proper training, security staff can effectively manage challenging situations and play a crucial role in reducing crime, particularly in areas where large public gatherings are common.

Train Your Team to Handle Real-World Threats

With crime on the rise across both towns and cities, businesses can't afford to rely on undertrained or unlicensed staff.

Whether you're guarding retail spaces, managing CCTV in public zones, or protecting high-risk individuals, specialised training is essential.

• SIA CCTV Operator Training
  Gain the skills to monitor and manage surveillance systems effectively in high-crime areas.

• SIA Security Guard Training Course
  Build confidence in handling conflict, protecting property, and maintaining public order.

• SIA Close Protection Course
  Learn how to protect high-profile individuals in complex, high-risk environments.
  

The proper training can make all the difference equip your team to reduce risk, respond quickly, and keep people safe.

How to Stay Safe in the Most Dangerous Places in England

As crime continues to rise in smaller urban areas, business owners and those responsible for public safety need to take proactive steps.

From manned security to proper staff training and smarter planning, there are practical ways to reduce risk without overhauling your entire operation.

Plan Based on Risk Type and Location

Security needs differ from one setting to another. A retail park may face daily shoplifting, while venues like arenas and shopping districts deal with crowd-related risks. Whether it's handling theft, vandalism, or disorderly conduct, success starts with preparing for what's most likely to happen. For teams operating in high-traffic environments, effective crowd safety planning during emergencies and threat forecasting is crucial.

Focus on Security Staff Preparedness

Staff should not only be present, but they should also be alert, confident, and equipped with the right attitude. In high-crime areas, even routine duties can escalate quickly. That's why having security personnel with the essential skills can make a difference and ensure the safety of people and property.

Use Technology to Strengthen Visibility

Surveillance, alarms, access control, and real-time communication tools help reduce blind spots and enable faster responses. The role of technology in modern security enables security teams to be both proactive and reactive at the right time.

From training staff to investing in the right technology, small changes can make a big difference.

For businesses operating in these environments, taking proactive steps today means building safer spaces for tomorrow.

Crime in Towns Is Rising Fast Here's What the Data Shows

Traditionally, crime was most concentrated in major cities, but in recent times, some towns are now matching or exceeding those rates, creating new hotspots of concern for security professionals and local authorities.

Chart: Crime Rate of Most Dangerous Towns in England (2024)

This growing trend highlights how once-overlooked towns are now reporting crime levels comparable to those of urban centres. From violent assaults to organised retail theft, the complexity of offences in these areas is rising, and so must our collective response.

Final Thoughts: A Shared Responsibility

Crime in England is no longer confined to its biggest cities. It's now happening in smaller towns, across high streets and retail spaces, near schools, pubs, transport hubs, and residential neighbourhoods.

Crime rates are increasing by each passing day, be it youth gang violence, antisocial behaviour, or persistent property crime.

Tackling these crimes requires a shared approach. Local authorities must support community policing, businesses must strengthen prevention strategies, and the security sector must rise to meet new demands.

Hurak's SIA-certified security training courses are a part of that solution: We equip individuals to work smarter, respond faster, and protect better, shaping them into capable and responsible security professionals.

Because safety isn't just about stopping crime. It's about building confidence in the places where people live, work, and gather.

FAQs

What are the top 10 most dangerous towns in England?

The most dangerous towns in England, based on crime rate per 1,000 people, include Manchester, Middlesbrough, Blackpool, Hartlepool, and others. These towns consistently report high levels of violence, theft, and antisocial behaviour.

What is the most dangerous place in England right now?

According to 2024 ONS data, Manchester tops the list with the highest recorded crime rate per capita, followed closely by Middlesbrough and Blackpool.

How are towns ranked as dangerous?

Towns are ranked based on crime rate per 1,000 residents, which provides a fair comparison regardless of population size. Key crime types considered include theft, assault, antisocial behaviour, and burglary.

What makes these places unsafe for businesses?

High levels of theft, organised crime, youth violence, and low police visibility make these locations particularly risky for businesses with high footfall.

How can businesses stay protected in dangerous towns?

Businesses can reduce risks by hiring trained security staff, using technology like CCTV and access controls, and ensuring staff are prepared for emergencies. Consider investing in SIA-approved security training courses from Hurak.

What are the most dangerous cities in England?

According to recent crime rate data, the most dangerous cities in England include Westminster, Camden, Birmingham, Leeds, and Coventry. These areas experience high levels of theft, violent crime, antisocial behaviour, and gang-related incidents, particularly in tourist-heavy zones and nightlife districts.