Areas with Highest Crime Rates in England (ONS Data, 2022–23)
Based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) police-recorded crime data for the year ending September 2022, the following police force areas in England had the highest crime rates per 1,000 population:
Top 5 by Crime Rate (per 1,000 people)
| Rank | Police Force Area | Major Cities/Towns | Crimes per 1,000 |
|---|
| 1 | Merseyside | Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Wirral | 127.6 |
| 2 | Greater Manchester | Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan | 118.3 |
| 3 | West Midlands | Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton | 117.6 |
| 4 | Humberside | Hull, East Riding, North Lincolnshire | 116.6 |
| 5 | Lancashire | Lancashire, Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen | 116.0 |
Important Caveats
- Police-recorded crime ≠ actual crime: Reporting rates vary; CSEW (Crime Survey for England & Wales) often shows different trends
- Urban density drives numbers: These are metropolitan areas with high population, nightlife, deprivation
- Crime types differ: Violence, theft, vehicle offenses, public order — proportions vary
- Boundary changes: Some force areas reorganized (e.g., North Yorkshire, Cleveland)
- Per capita vs. total: London (Met Police) has highest *total* crimes but lower *rate* due to huge population
Recent Trends (2022–23)
- Overall police-recorded crime up ~7% (post-COVID rebound + better recording)
- Violence against person: +10%
- Sexual offenses: +15% (reporting increases)
- Theft: +20% (shoplifting, vehicle)
- Fraud/Computer misuse: Down (Action Fraud reporting changes)
For Localized Data
High rates reflect urban challenges, not inherent danger. Most neighborhoods in these areas are safe; crime concentrates in specific wards.
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