One of Yorkshire’s main attractions, and its second largest metropolitan hub after Leeds, the glistening city of Sheffield boasts one of the richest and most storied histories across the county. Stemming from the seeds of technological odyssey in the 19th century, Sheffield quickly flourished into the thriving powerhouse we see today.
Comprising a spectacular spectrum that encompasses the pinnacle of education in the city’s universities, a newly revived economy, an illustrious sporting scene, and densely packed housing estates, Sheffield has an undeniable charm that cements it as one of England’s premier urban destinations.
However, for all of its appeal and grandeur, there are inescapable issues, with the chief among these being the city’s issues with crime. As one of the UK’s foremost security companies, Churchill have long been committed to offering a complete overview of how these statistics can shape the decisions you make when it comes to your home and business.
With our latest article, we’ll explore every district of Sheffield, as well as the city as a whole, to see how its crime rates stack up. We’ll also explore the main issues facing each region, and help you make an informed decision for the future.
In the interests of providing a completely objective and unbiased overview of crime across Sheffield, we’ll be using the latest data available from the Sheffield City Council website. We’ll also be using the city’s council wards as a way to prove a complete look at the city, which the data is readily available for through the council’s website.
All of this data is then displayed as a ratio of crimes per 1000 people living in the region. This not only allows us to represent the crimes fairly, it also means we can take into account key variables like the size of the area, and population figures.
It’s difficult to pin down Sheffield’s appeal to a singular feature, and for good reason. Whether it’s the city’s close proximity to the majesty and winding trails of the Peak District, or its place in annals of history as a beating heart of English industry, the city has indisputable draws across the board.
Of course, that all comes in addition to the modern conveniences you’d expect of one of the UK’s 11 Core Cities. A sprawling retail district encompasses the sophistication and amenities that an ever-expanding city needs, and its array of green spaces and parklands hark back to the city’s more humble and historic roots.
However, while this perception of Sheffield is accurate for the most part, it fails to take into account what is a worrying rate of crime across the city. Currently sitting at a concerning 137.9 crimes per 1000 people living in the city, it’s clear to see why there’s been concerted efforts to reduce that.
The main issues lie in substantial figures across violent crime (21,139 incidents), antisocial behaviour (9560 incidents) and public order offences (6379 incidents), all of which are sadly byproducts of the city’s popularity, alongside a rate of drug crime (1559 incidents) which equates to around 4 incidents per day.
Of course, while these figures make for grim reading for any resident of Sheffield, they only represent half the story, with the city’s regions each having their own individual issues with criminal behaviour. With that in mind, let’s look at how every region of Sheffield compares, and where the safest and most dangerous areas are.
A leafy suburb of Sheffield nestled in the sloping hills of the Porter valley, Fulwood couples timber-fronted Tudor buildings with a quaintness that feels slightly out of place alongside the hustle and bustle of its city. However, it’s that break from the norm that ensures Fulwood sees the lowest crime rate Sheffield-wide – just 33.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
There are still some areas of concern, though. There’s been a substantial rate across both antisocial behaviour (254 offences) and vehicle crime (109 offences), as well as a worryingly rising trend in burglary (97 offences).
One of the more affluent areas of the city, the ward of Dore & Totley lies to the south of the wider Sheffield area. Predominantly rural and residential in its makeup, the region combines sweeping views across the emerald fields with impressive houses and listed buildings, as well as an impressively low crime rate of 47.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
That’s not to say the region doesn’t see criminal activity, however. Noticeable numbers across antisocial behaviour (383 incidents), burglary (119 incidents) and vehicle crime (110 incidents) underscore the need for consistent and ongoing security in the ward.
In the shadow of the infamous Peak District, the borough of Crookes and Crosspool is perhaps most known for its stunning views of the Porter and Rivelin Valleys, alongside its extensive and expanding residential areas. This combination of greenery with quieter housing districts equates to a comparatively low crime rate of 49.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s still issues for residents and businesses to contend with, however. Antisocial behaviour (367 offences) is the primary cause for concern, making up around 40% of all the crime in the area. However, there’s growing alarm surrounding the figures across burglary (145 offences) and vehicle crime (128 offences), both of which have seen an increase over previous years’ statistics.
Officially Sheffield’s greenest ward thanks to its dense woodlands and pristine parklands, the ward encompasses the verdant bluebell woods of Ecclesall Woods and Sheffield’s botanic gardens, alongside the smaller settlements of Banner Cross, Ringinglow and Bents Green. That’s perhaps the main reason behind the lower crime rate seen in the region – 60.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Crime is still a factor to consider, however. There’s notable issues across antisocial behaviour (481 incidents) and burglary (177 incidents), which together make up more than 53% of all crime in the region. That’s in addition to substantial numbers across vehicle crime (155 incidents) and criminal damage (140 incidents).
So named for the huge park at the centre of the ward, Graves Park is most notably associated with the large residential area of Norton, as well as its surrounding districts of Woodseats and Norton Lees. This seamless blend of green space with housing opportunities has earned the ward a consistently low crime rate of 63 crimes per 1000 residents.
Graves Park does still have some standout points of concern, however. The primary problem for residents and businesses is a high rate of antisocial behaviour (424 offences), as well as rising numbers in theft and shoplifting (225 offences) and violent crime (131 offences).
A region that’s seen significant economic investment in recent years, the ward of Nether Edge and Sharrow also encompasses the ever-popular residential areas of Banner Cross and Brincliffe, completing one of Sheffield’s more popular housing areas. Despite that density, though, the region sees a calmer rate of crime, sitting at 63.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
In terms of criminal activity, the region’s main problem stems from substantial figures in antisocial behaviour (818 incidents), comprising over 56% of all crime in the region. While antisocial behaviour is the primary issue, there’s also worrying trends across criminal damage (151 incidents) and violent crime (150 incidents).
One of Sheffield’s most northerly wards, West Ecclesfield juxtaposes the placid scenery of Greno Wood Nature Reserve against a backdrop of built-up townships in High Green, Burncross and Grenoside. While one might expect that popularity to mean a higher crime rate, the region bucks that trend with a below average crime rate of 71.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, that’s not to say there’s no crime across West Ecclesfield. There’s naturally still major problems, with rates of antisocial behaviour (686 offences) and criminal damage (129 offences) being the two main concerns for public safety.
On the very fringes of Sheffield’s north east, Stocksbridge and Upper Don is among the largest industrial areas city-wide, with much of the region’s local economy lying in the steelworks that occupy a huge swathe of the valley. That industrious nature guarantees a lower rate of crime, which currently sits at 74.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Sadly though, that focus on opportunity creation and economic support doesn’t mean that crime is a thing of the past. Antisocial behaviour (660 offences), violent crime (177 offences) and vehicle crime (161 offences) all represent causes for concern for residents and businesses across Stocksbridge.
One of the more undulating landscapes across Sheffield thanks to its numerous hills and valleys, the ward of Stannington is perhaps most know for its residential area of the same name, but also stretches to cover Bradfield, Loxley and Worral, all equally popular in their own right. That popularity does come at a slight price, however, with the region seeing 86.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Antisocial behaviour (680 incidents) and vehicle crime (281 incidents) are the two main problems facing the ward, and constitute over 59% of all crime in the region. There’s also equally warranted worry for the rates of violent crime (184 incidents) and burglary (128 incidents), which have seen rises over previous years’ statistics.
A bustling domestic area to the south of the city, Mosborough has rapidly grown from its roots in coal mining to become a key residential region alongside its neighbouring areas of Holbrook, Halfway and Waterthorpe. Sadly though, that expansion has meant a similarly increasing crime rate of 86.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
In line with much of the city, Mosborough’s main issue lies in a soaring rate of antisocial behaviour (789 incidents), which accounts for just shy of 54% of all crime across the district. While better policed, there’s also mounting worry for the rates of theft and shoplifting (160 incidents) and violent crime (155 incidents).
Lying on the border of Sheffield’s illustrious city centre, the Walkley ward offers some of the larger student housing development in the area, and spans the suburb of the same name as well as its neighbouring Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe. However, in spite of its affordability, there’s a growing concern for the rate of crime in the region, which sits at 89.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Antisocial behaviour (1181 offences) represents the largest proportion of that crime rate, but there’s equally worrying statistics across theft and shoplifting (331 offences), violent crime (283 offences), and criminal damage (217 offences) that underline the need for effective security across Sheffield.
Located in Sheffield’s south-easterly reaches, Birley is one of the city’s most well-known residential regions. Coupling the domestic districts of the eponymous Birley, Charnock, Frecheville, and the Base Green housing estate, the ward’s undoubted draws are undercut slightly by a troubling crime rate of 94.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Approximately 50% of all crime in the area is classified as antisocial behaviour (822 incidents), with theft including shoplifting (201 incidents) and vehicle crime (160 incidents) representing two of the major additional concerns for the ward.
Having been subject to significant development over the last few decades, especially across the residential areas of Owlthorpe and Sothall, Beighton now represents a highly desirable consideration for homes and businesses alike. Sadly though, that appeal is tapered significantly by a rising crime rate that currently sits at 102 crimes per 1000 residents.
While there’s many concerns for residents in the ward, antisocial behaviour (912 offences) and violent crime (238 offences) are the most pressing, making up more than 61% of all crime Beighton-wide.
Historically one of Sheffield’s quainter villages, the ward of Richmond has since bloomed into a significant portion of the city, and now encompasses both the suburb itself, as well as the consistently popular Handsworth, Woodthorpe and Hollins End. While it’s a ward with undoubtedly humble beginnings, that exterior hides a soaring crime rate of 109 crimes per 1000 residents.
The region sees one of the more substantial rates of antisocial behaviour (1100 incidents) among its closest neighbours, as well as concerning figures in violent crime (234 incidents) and criminal damage (215 incidents).
One of Sheffield’s more rapidly modernised wards, Woodhouse still retains some semblance of its modest roots in its architecture, and especially so in the Manor Farm Cottage that stands as the crown jewel of the region. Sadly though, that modernity brings with it a worrying crime rate, which sits at 128 crimes per 1000 residents.
Antisocial behaviour (1169 incidents) makes up more than half of all crime across the district, with a good proportion of that other half being accounted for by theft and shoplifting (297 incidents), violent and sexual offences (254 incidents) and criminal damage (211 incidents).
Coupling the thriving residential areas of Wincobank and Shiregreen with the predominantly industrial area of Brightside, the ward offers a microcosmic view of Sheffield’s industrious history, as well as its position as home for many. Unfortunately, the region also closely mirrors the city’s rising rate of crime, with the statistics hovering at 128.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s equal concern for the rates of both antisocial behaviour (1391 offences) and criminal damage (365 offences), although a spate of burglary (119 offences) has sparked concern for security across the region.
On the northern fringes of the wider Sheffield city area lies East Ecclesfield, which juxtaposes the frenetic pace of modern life and busy commuter routes with breathtaking views and Grade 1 listed buildings in its main districts of Chapeltown and Ecclesfield. That balance doesn’t prevent a significant crime rate, however, with the region witnessing 144.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Over 51% of all reported crime in East Ecclesfield is antisocial behaviour (1349 incidents), with much of the other half being constituted by high rates of criminal damage (269 incidents), vehicle crime (265 incidents) and violent crime (251 incidents).
A key part of the Sheffield Heeley parliamentary constituency, the ward of Arbourthorne is primarily residential, offering affordable and government-subsidised housing across its districts of Gleadless and Norfolk Park. The densely packed nature of the region means its sees an above-average crime rate of 145.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
In a similar vein to the majority of the city, Arbourthorne’s main issue lies in a startling rate of antisocial behaviour (1317 offences), equating to roughly 47% of crime across the region. That worrying rate comes in addition to soaring figures across both violent crime (384 offences) and theft and shoplifting (378 offences).
One of the greener wards in southern Sheffield, it’s estimated that over a third of the area is dominated by parklands and flora, with residential sectors like Lowedges, Greenhill and Jordanthorpe offering attractive vistas across the region. Those irrefutable draws are undercut, however, by the region’s soaring crime rate of 146.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
The bulk of that rate is made up by concerning figures in antisocial behaviour (1351 incidents), violent crime (394 incidents) and theft and shoplifting (353 incidents), although there’s also mounting worry surrounding the region’s rate of burglary (185 incidents), which has seen substantial increases over the last few years.
A seamless blend of the scenic walking routes offered by Birley Carr and its surrounding woodlands, alongside the built-up residential areas of Fox Hill and Southey itself, the region often draws in the crowds of homeowners and businesses in equal measure. That glimmering exterior, however, belies the ward’s steadily climbing crime rate of 157.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Southey’s main problems lie in the troubling statistics on both antisocial behaviour (1388 offences) and criminal damage (361 offences), which earn it a place as one of the 10 most dangerous areas of Sheffield. There’s also startling figures in drug crime (42 offences), one of the highest among its neighbouring wards.
Perhaps most associated with the football stadium of the same name, the council ward of Hillsborough encompasses much beyond the sporting scene, and extends to include the bustling residential areas of Middlewood, Langsett, Wadsley and Wisewood. But with a crime rate of 157.4 crimes per 1000 residents, those myriad advantages lose their shine somewhat.
Hillsborough’s main problem lies in a steadily rising rate of antisocial behaviour (1228 offences), accounting for almost 40% of all crimes across the district. Equally concerning are the substantial numbers across theft and shoplifting (604 offences) and violent crime (460 offences), as well as one of the highest rates of vehicle crime (304 offences) we’ve seen thus far.
Unfortunately shouldered with the distinction of Sheffield’s 2nd most deprived ward, Firth Park’s popularity goes a long way towards securing it as one of the more populous areas in the north of the city. Encompassing Firth Park, Longley and the well-renowned Parson Cross, it’s the region’s reputation that’s led to an inflated crime rate of 184.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
The closely compacted nature of housing in Firth Park means there’s a significant problem with antisocial behaviour (1987 incidents), as well as an upwards trend across both violent crime (579 incidents) and criminal damage (516 incidents).
The ward of Gleadless Valley, coupled with the suburb of Meersbrook, is atypical of Sheffield. Combining sweeping views of the eponymous Yorkshire valley with high-rise flats and built-up housing estates, it may shock you to learn that the region sees a huge rate of crime, seeing 193.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Antisocial behaviour is the region’s main problem, with 1953 incidents over the last year of data. Gleadless Valley and its surrounding Meersbrook also see troubling statistics across theft and shoplifting (521 incidents) and violent crime (515 incidents).
So named for its close proximity to the historic Sheffield Manor, the ward is made up of several of the city’s major residential hubs in Manor and Wybourn Hill, as well as some of Sheffield’s iconic skyline in the Grade 2 listed Park Hill. A true melting pot of the city’s culture, it unfortunately sees a soaring rate of crime – 201.3 crimes per 1000 residents, or just above 1 crime per 5 residents.
An alarming rate of antisocial behaviour (2377 offences) further compounds the region’s concerning reputation as Sheffield’s most deprived ward. Alongside high rates of theft and shoplifting (537 offences) and violent crime (533 offences), it’s clear there’s work to be done in terms of security and economic development.
A high-density commuter hub on the outskirts of Sheffield’s heartland, the ward of Broomhill and Sharrow Vale includes the ever-popular Broomhall, Crookesmoor and Endcliffe housing districts. While it doubtless offers benefits for families and businesses alike, the crime rate of 210.9 crimes per 1000 residents is a key cause for concern.
With antisocial behaviour (2322 incidents) making up a majority of the region’s crime, and theft and shoplifting (1035 incidents) being at one of the highest rates outside of the city centre, it’s abundantly clear that investment is needed in Sheffield security.
Home to some of Sheffield’s largest retail opportunities in Meadowhall, the ward of Darnall spans everything that the modern city offers, from industrial and manufacturing in celebrated Carbrook, to the residential resplendence of Acres Hill, Housteads and Tinsley. However, it also captures a concerning snapshot of the city’s issues with crime, with a rate of 268.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Chief among the issues faced by residents of Darnall and its surrounding areas is antisocial behaviour (2640 offences), which accounts for around 44% of all crime across the region. That’s worsened when you consider that the ward also sees some of the highest numbers in theft and shoplifting (1169 offences) and violent crime (631 offences).
Made up of a collection of Sheffield’s former medieval villages, and with architecture and features that hark back to that time, the ward of Burngreave offers huge opportunities for people seeking a place within touching distance of Sheffield’s centre. However, given its proximity to the city’s heart, it does see a comparative crime rate of 281.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
Burngreave’s main issue stems from a constantly rising rate of antisocial behaviour (4563 incidents), which accounts for a dizzying 55% of the region’s total crimes. Closely following that are concerning numbers in violent crime (994 incidents), theft and shoplifting (840 incidents) and criminal damage (680 incidents).
At the very heart of the thriving metropolis that Sheffield has fast become lies its city centre. Now a burgeoning retail hub, the city’s economy has seen substantial investment in recent years, and alongside the vibrancy of its nightlife and university culture, it’s quickly reclaiming the prowess that’s rightfully earned it a place as one of England’s largest cities.
However, with that economic and cultural boom comes a similarly meteoric rise in the city’s crime statistics. Sitting at a startling 480.4 crimes per 1000 residents, or just under 1 crime per 2 people living in the centre, it’s quickly manifested into a major issue for policing and private security in Sheffield.
The major issue facing homeowners and businesses is a massive rate of antisocial behaviour (5017 offences) – an issue that’s been further exacerbated by a recovering economy after COVID. Plus, with similarly soaring rates of theft and shoplifting (3244 offences), violent crime (1558 offences), and criminal damage (599 offences), security is a must have city-wide.
