One of the UK’s most rapidly growing and expansive cities, and fast becoming a technological hub for Yorkshire and the North, Leeds has seen unparalleled evolution in recent years. With a population of over half a million people, and plans in the works to see that rise even further, it’s abundantly clear that the city has its doubtless draws.

However, while the flourishing prospects of Leeds are enticing prospects for entrepreneurs and families alike, it’s the city’s equally expanding crime rate that sullies that slightly. But just where in the sprawling metropolis of Leeds is most affected by criminal behaviour?

With this article, We at Stayful will guide you through areas to avoid in Leeds, and how they stack up when compared to the overall rate for the city. This is so our guests can enjoy a lovely and enjoyable stay in Leeds.

What Is The Overall Crime Rate In Leeds?

Officially classified as one of just 11 “Core Cities” UK-wide, Leeds has long since cemented its place as a major player in the UK’s economy. An exceptionally diverse landscape of cutting-edge technology, coupled with the heritage that Yorkshire is famed for, the city creates the storybook definition of an English city where architectural triumph meets a burgeoning economy.

Of course, that’s not all Leeds offers. It’s a beacon for cultural enlightenment too, ranging from the vibrant sporting scene of top-flight football, championship rugby and country-leading cricket, to a huge collection of prized paintings, artwork and sculpture in the city’s myriad galleries and institutions.

While these edifying factors paint a picture that’s all positive, there’s the distinct, disturbing rumbling of a soaring crime rate. The city saw an alarming 172.4 crimes per 1000 residents over the course of the last 12 months, or 88,120 separate instances of criminal activity.

Leeds’ main issue lies in the climbing figures in violent crime (36,393 incidents), which is more than 25% higher than the county-wide average, and makes up more than 27% of all total violent crime offences across the whole of West Yorkshire.

The city also faces an uphill battle in combatting its worrying figures across public order offences (11,689 incidents), criminal damage (7970 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (7088 incidents), all of which have seen a rise over the previous year’s figures.

Of course, these are all symptomatic of the city as a whole, and don’t necessarily represent the issues that every area of the city will face. Let’s look in more depth at the most dangerous areas of Leeds, and how their crime rates and issues compare with the city as a whole.

Morley North

Overall Crime Rate Of 130.7 Crimes Per 1000 People

Situated just outside of the centre of Morley, this council ward stretches from the town’s northern reaches to include key places like Churwell, Drighlington and Gildersome. While Morley North’s rurality may seem idyllic, it’s the ward’s crime rate of 130.7 crimes per 1000 residents that reduces that appeal significantly.

The primary issues facing the ward are the growing rates of both violent crime (1021 offences) and shoplifting (602 offences), which together account for 50% of all crime across Morley North. These come in addition to a worryingly growing rate of criminal damage (235 offences).

Bramley & Stanningley

Overall Crime Rate Of 153.8 Crimes Per 1000 People

Home to one of Leeds’ many self-sufficient economies, the ward of Bramley and Stanningley encompasses everything from local and artisan businesses, to high street mainstays and supermarkets. Despite these home comforts, though, the region’s crime statistics undercut that retail paradise, sitting at a concerning 153.8 crimes per 1000 residents.

Violent crime (1471 offences) is the most prevalent issue in the area, making up just under 40% of the total crimes in the city. That’s in addition to soaring figures across criminal damage (386 offences), antisocial behaviour (325 offences) and shoplifting (240 offences).

Temple Newsam

Overall Crime Rate Of 171.8 Crimes Per 1000 People

So named for its listed building that dates back to the Jacobean era, the district of Temple Newsam offers much more beyond its clear sense of heritage, and has fast become a residential hub for the city. However, in spite of its clear and present sense of history, the region faces daunting odds with it crime rate of 171.8 crimes per 1000 residents.

The main issue for Temple Newsam, and one that’s similarly prevalent city-wide, is the rising rate of violent crime (1251 offences). Sadly though, this isn’t the full extent of Temple Newsam’s issues – high rates across antisocial behaviour (487 offences), criminal damage (419 offences) and shoplifting (389 offences) further compound the region’s problem with criminal activity.

Headingley & Hyde Park

Overall Crime Rate Of 182.1 Crimes Per 1000 People

One of Leeds’ greener spaces, the borough of Headingley and Hyde Park pairs the flora and fauna of its eponymous park with the bustling residential streets and retail opportunities of Headingley. While this may seem like the ideal balance between nature and convenience, the region’s crime rate of 182.1 crimes per 1000 residents sullies that significantly.

The ward’s main issues lie in the spiralling figures across both violent crime (1907 incidents) and public order offences (627 incidents), but the region also sees some of the highest figures in theft (595 incidents) and burglary (319 incidents) across the city.

Hunslet, Riverside & City Centre

Overall Crime Rate Of 615.6 Crimes Per 1000 People

The ward that encompasses Leeds’ city centre, the beating heart of England’s 4th largest city, Hunslet and Riverside takes in many of the things that make the city a pivotal part of its county and the country. From its prestigious college of art, to the range of retail spaces and vibrant nightlife, it’s unfortunate that the City Centre sees the highest crime rate city-wide – 615.6 crimes per 1000 residents.

Violent crime (6216 offences) is the city’s most prominent crime, and that’s equally true for the centre too, with violent offences making up 31% of the total crime in the region. There’s also a significant amount of concern for the rising numbers we’ve seen in shoplifting (2510 offences), public order crimes (2198 offences) and theft (1885 offences).