Danger Zones: UK Cities to Avoid in 2025

Crime rates are rising in places you wouldn’t expect, and cities that used to feel safe are becoming less secure. 2025 is turning out to be even worse.

If you’re planning a trip to the UK this year and want to know about the most dangerous cities and areas, keep reading so you can stay safe and avoid risky spots. It’s important to know where to go and where to stay away from. Get all the details here!

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Why Are Some UK Cities Considered Dangerous?

Why are some cities more dangerous than others? Short answer: It is a mix of factors like poverty, unemployment, drugs, social inequality, and even population density. Government planning, along with a lack of police resources and social services, also contributes to making a city unsafe.

In the particular case of the United Kingdom, some cities have higher crime rates due to issues like crime, gang activity, and economic struggles. Crime tends to be more common across those UK cities with busy nightlife, large populations, or fewer police patrols.

Crime rates tend to be higher in university areas for several reasons. Students are unfamiliar with their surroundings, engage in nightlife activities, and live in busy urban areas where crime is already common. For example, Liverpool John Moores University sees about 214 crimes per institution, while the London School of Economics reports around 230.4 crimes. A limited police presence on campuses and the frequent turnover of students also contribute to higher crime rates in university areas.

In general terms, although crime in the UK has gone down recently, there are still about 84 crimes for every 1,000 people. Some cities, like Manchester, have even more crime, around 118 crimes per 1,000 people. This means that crime is generally a major problem in cities.

Even though crime numbers might seem scary, it’s not fair to say that the entire UK is unsafe. Many places are still safe for both locals and tourists. Understanding crime statistics helps us find ways to make areas safer.

Photo by Vincent Wei

 

What Makes a City Dangerous?

Different types of crime make cities more dangerous. Here’s a breakdown of the most important crime trends in UK regions:

• Violent crime: Includes attacks, robberies, and homicides. West Yorkshire has the highest rate (50.8 violent crimes per 1,000 people), followed by Cleveland (49.3).
• Burglary and theft: Middlesbrough has the most burglaries (11.45 per 1,000 people), with Westminster close behind (10.85). Westminster also has a high overall theft rate (440 crimes per 1,000 residents).
• Drug-related crime: Includes drug possession and distribution. Cities like Manchester have seen an increase, putting pressure on law enforcement.
• Anti-social behavior (ASB): Covers vandalism, noise complaints, and public disturbances, affecting community life.
• Fraud and cybercrime: Includes scams and online crimes, which are becoming more common.
• Road traffic offenses: Speeding, drunk driving, and accidents affect public safety.
  Hate crime: Targets people based on race, religion, or other factors, creating fear in communities.
• Public order offenses: Involves disruptive behavior in public spaces and increases a city’s crime rate.

While crime statistics can seem worrying, they don’t tell the full story. Many areas remain safe, and being aware of local risks can help you take sensible precautions before your trip to England.

One way to stay secure in areas with higher crime rates is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. This allows you to access real-time local information and stay in touch with loved ones or emergency services without relying on Wi-Fi.

Stay informed and prepared, no matter where you are in the UK.

 

 

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the UK

London

Some areas of London have higher crime rates than others. Westminster is the most dangerous part of London, with 462.8 incidents per 1,000 people, followed by Camden at 197.8. Other unsafe areas include Hackney, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets.

Common crimes in these areas include theft, violent offenses, drug-related incidents, and vehicle-related crimes. Crime levels vary across the city. Tourist-heavy Westminster has a lot of theft, while Hackney has high bicycle theft rates. Some boroughs, like Hounslow, have lower crime rates (110.4 per 1,000 people). However, busier areas and tourist hotspots tend to attract more crime.

While these areas may seem the most dangerous in the UK, staying alert, avoiding empty areas at night, and taking precautions can help you stay safe.

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Manchester

Manchester is among the most dangerous cities in the UK because of its high crime rate, with about 118 crimes for every 1,000 people. In fact, in the 2022/23 year, police recorded nearly 370,000 crimes.

The most common offenses include violent crimes (about 141,000 cases) and theft (over 101,000 cases). Manchester has the third-highest crime rate among UK police areas, after Cleveland and West Yorkshire. However, if we were to compare Manchester to other cities worldwide, its overall crime level is considered moderate.

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Birmingham

Birmingham has a high crime rate compared to the rest of the UK, with 147.54 crimes for every 1,000 people3. Just to give you an idea, that figure is about 57% more than the national average.

Nearly 40% of Birmingham’s crimes are violent, meaning there were about 48.3 violent incidents per 1,000 people. The city center is the most unsafe area, with almost 350 crimes per 1,000 people.

Despite some progress in reducing serious crimes, the number remains high, which is still a concern for both locals and visitors.

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Liverpool

Liverpool, in the North West of England, is another city with a high crime rate in the UK, with 142 crimes for every 1,000 people in 2025.

Violent crimes make up a big part, nearly 38%, with about 39,200 incidents reported. The city’s overall crime rate is 128% higher than the national average, and drug-related crimes are especially high, at more than three and a half times the national rate.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the least peaceful city in the UK, with 812 crime incidents reported for every 10,000 people in 2023-2024. In total, there were 76,264 crimes reported in the city. A fun fact is that men are more likely to be involved in crime than women, with 15% of crimes affecting men compared to 11% for women.

Glasgow has the highest level of violent crime in Scotland. For every 100,000 people, there are 1,600 violent incidents. This rate is nearly twice as high as in Wales. A big part of the problem is gang violence and knife crimes. These are key reasons why Glasgow is among the most violent cities in the UK.

Leeds

In simple terms, Leeds is one of the most dangerous cities in the UK. For every 1,000 people living there, 151 crimes were reported in 2023. The most common types of crime are violence and sexual offenses, with over 40,000 incidents.

Violent crimes make up a huge portion of all crimes, around 37%, which is much higher than the average crime rate across the country. Car thefts went up by 12.3% in the past year. Burglary is also a big issue, with nearly 7,000 cases, which is almost three times the national average.

Sheffield

Sheffield has a relatively high crime rate in the UK, with 119.4 crimes for every 1,000 people in 2025. About a third of those are violent crimes, around 53,200 incidents. The city center has the highest crime rate. Shoplifting went up by nearly 20% in the last year.

But there’s some good news—violent crime dropped by 4.7% from December 2023 to November 2024, so things might be getting safer.

Nottingham

Nottingham ranks among the most dangerous cities in the UK in 2025, with 118 crimes happening for every 1,000 people living there. Violent crimes make up the biggest portion, with 40,000 cases, which is about a third of all crimes in the city.

Crime rates in Nottingham are much higher than the average for both the East Midlands (26% higher) and the rest of the UK (35% higher). The Castle Ward has the highest crime rate, with nearly 472 crimes for every 1,000 people.

Shoplifting in Nottingham is a big issue, with 15,100 reported incidents between December 2023 and November 2024. This is more than double the national average for shoplifting, making it 156% higher than what’s typical across the UK.

Bradford

Bradford’s crime stats paint a stark picture. For every 1,000 people living there, 138 crimes happen. Out of all the crimes, nearly 43% are violent crimes. In January 2024, Bradford had the highest number of antisocial behavior and burglary cases in the West Yorkshire area. Violent and sexual crimes are the most common, though there’s been a small decrease in these types of crimes compared to 2022. Many people also feel unsafe in Bradford, as more think it’s unsafe than safe.

Newcastle

Newcastle is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the UK in 2025, with 156 crimes for every 1,000 people. The most common types of crime are violence and sexual offenses, which account for nearly half of all crimes. Anti-social behavior is also a big issue, with 33 out of every 1,000 people involved. Compared to the rest of the UK, Newcastle’s crime rate is 37% higher than average.

In addition to violent and sexual crimes, there are also crimes like shoplifting and public disturbances (like fighting or causing chaos in public places). These types of offenses also contribute to the total crime rate in Newcastle, making the overall situation worse.

 

Travel to The UK’s Safest Cities Instead

Here are some of the safest cities in the UK and why they stand out:

1. Bath, England: While Bath has a crime rate that’s 24% higher than the surrounding area, it’s still considered the safest large town in Somerset.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland: Known for being one of the safest cities in the UK, thanks to factors like well-lit streets, CCTV cameras, and active neighborhood watch programs.
3. Aberystwyth, Wales: Despite its peaceful reputation, Aberystwyth had a higher-than-expected crime rate in 2023, mainly due to violence and sexual offenses.
4. Cambridge, England: This city has a good safety rating thanks to the university’s security and its many bike paths, making it safer for residents and students alike.
5. Oxford, England: Famous for its university, Oxford is also a fairly safe city, although it does have some crime, like bike thefts.
6. Bristol, England: Bristol’s community spirit and proactive crime prevention efforts help keep it safe despite a moderate crime rate.
7. Brighton & Hove, England: Brighton is safe overall, but it has a large number of crimes reported due to its size and population. It’s still considered a safe city with a strong community.
8. York, England: York is safe due to its pedestrian-friendly layout and solid emergency services, though it has some issues with antisocial behavior.
9. Poole, England: Poole is safer than nearby Bournemouth, especially in residential areas, and its harbor is monitored closely.
10. Norwich, England: Norwich has low crime rates and great community policing, contributing to its reputation as a safe city.

In general, these cities are safe, but it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings since crime rates can change over time.

 

Is the UK Really Dangerous?

Although the statistics or crime rates in the UK might make it seem like a dangerous place, the reality isn’t as bad as it appears when you look at the full picture.

Crime is real, but the statistics suggest it’s not as bad as it seems. For example, London has a crime rate of 29.9 crimes per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average. In general, England reports about 88 crimes per 1,000 people, which has dropped by 4.9% recently. Northern Ireland also has the lowest crime rate, with just 15 crimes per 1,000 people.

On top of that, the government has been trying to reduce crime by increasing the number of police officers from 150,000 in 2019 to 171,000 by 2023. Although some crimes are going up, violent crime is not rising at a worrying pace.

So, is the UK dangerous? Not really. It has crime like any country, but the statistics suggest it’s relatively safe and has great expectations of improving. If you’re considering traveling to the UK for vacation, there’s no need to worry too much about constant danger, just take the usual precautions.

Photo by Amandeep Singh

 

Safety Tips for Travelers in the UK’s Most Dangerous Areas

Traveling to the UK isn’t as scary as you might think, but it’s always smart to use common sense and be cautious. Here are some simple tips to stay safe:

• Keep Your Phone Hidden: Avoid holding your phone in public, especially near roads, to prevent bike thieves from snatching it.
• Use Earphones for Calls: Take calls discreetly with earphones to avoid drawing attention to your phone.
• Stay Away from the Pavement Edge: When checking directions, step away from the curb to stay safe from passing vehicles and pickpockets.
• Be Careful in Crowded Areas: Popular spots like Oxford Street are crowded and attract thieves, so stay alert.
• Don’t Flash Valuables: Keep money, cameras, and phones tucked away when not in use to avoid attracting attention.
• Wear Bags Across Your Body: Carry bags securely across your body instead of letting them hang loosely to deter theft.
• Keep Valuables at the Bottom of Your Bag: Place important items like wallets deep in your bag to prevent easy access by pickpockets.
• Never Leave Bags Unattended: Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft, especially in busy public spaces.
• Be Alert After Spending Money: If someone bumps into you after shopping, stay cautious, as it may be a distraction for theft.
• Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar places.
• Use Black Cabs or Uber for Safe Rides: For reliable and safe transportation, only use licensed black cabs or ride-sharing apps like Uber.
• Stay Sober to Stay Aware: Alcohol can impair judgment and reduce awareness, so it’s best to stay sober when exploring.
• Split Your Cash and Cards: Keep some money and cards in a hotel safe and carry only what you need to reduce the risk of theft.
• Check Maps Inside Shops: If you’re lost, step inside a shop to check your map or ask a local for directions instead of doing it in the street.
• Be Wary of Street Scams: Avoid common scams like the cup game, where people trick you into losing money.
• Follow Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to pass and keep walkways clear.
• Stay Connected with eSIM: Keep your phone handy in case of emergencies and for quick access to mobile data. This will help you contact family or emergency services if needed. Using Yoho Mobile eSIM is a great option in the UK, ensuring you stay connected while navigating the city.

 

FAQs

What is the most dangerous city in the UK?

Westminster in London is currently considered the most dangerous city in the UK because it has a very high crime rate, with 440 crimes for every 1,000 people. Theft is the biggest issue, making up 69% of the crimes there.

The “most dangerous” city can vary depending on the type of crime you’re considering. For example, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London are often cited as having high crime rates, particularly when it comes to violent crimes or theft. So, what might make one city seem more dangerous could change based on which crimes you’re looking at.

• Manchester struggles with a lot of violent crime and antisocial behavior.
• Birmingham faces issues with gang activity and street crime.
• London has a large population, so even though crime per person might seem lower, the total number of crimes is still high due to how many people live there.