Sheffield, known for its rich industrial history and vibrant culture, is one of the largest cities in the UK and the second largest city in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. While it remains a popular destination for students, families and businesses, like any city, Sheffield faces issues relating to crime.
According to recent statistics reported by CrimeRate UK, Sheffield has a crime rate of 106 crimes per 1,000 people, slightly lower than South Yorkshire’s overall rate of 110 per 1,000 daytime population.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the five most common types of crime in Sheffield: public order offences, criminal damage & arson, shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and violence & sexual offences. We’ll
5. Public Order
The fifth most common crime in Sheffield is public order offences. These kinds of offences pose a significant concern in Sheffield, especially in busier urban areas like the city centre, where nightlife and public events can escalate into disruption. Public order crimes include incidents such as violent protests, harassment, disorderly conduct and any behaviour that is likely to cause distress.
Recent data from CrimeRate reports that 5,205 cases of public disorder were recorded in the 12 months ending in June 2024. Such crimes often occur in areas with high foot traffic, such as the city centre and neighbourhoods like Burngreave, where crowd behaviour can lead to disturbances.
Public order offences affect residents, businesses and visitors alike. Aggressive behaviour, fights or threatening behaviour can disturb business operations, discourage tourism and create an unsafe environment for workers and customers. Businesses in Sheffield’s centre often face the brunt of these offences, particularly during weekends or evenings. Large public gatherings such as football matches or festivals can also trigger spikes in public disorder.
4. Criminal Damage and Arson
Much like public disorder, criminal damage and arson, including vandalism, arson and destruction to property, remain a persistent issue in Sheffield. Such crimes can seriously impact both residential and commercial properties and cause financial loss and distress. Criminal damage refers to the destruction of personal or public property, while arson refers to the intentional setting of fires, usually resulting in more severe outcomes.
In Sheffield, 5,248 cases of such crimes were reported in a 12-month period from June 2023 to June 2024, with Firth Park and Manor Castle seeing higher rates of these crimes compared to other areas in Sheffield.
Both homes and businesses suffer from criminal damage and arson. Vandalism and property destruction can make neighbourhoods feel unsafe for residents. Businesses may also face higher insurance premiums and risk temporary closures due to fire damage or vandalism. Schools and public buildings are also common targets, which puts a further strain on community resources.
3. Shoplifting
With 5,733 cases recorded in the past year, shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in Sheffield. Shoplifting is a widespread issue that affects Sheffield’s businesses, especially in areas such as the city centre. The financial impact of shoplifting can be significant, especially for small businesses that lack the resources to recover from such losses. Larger retail outlets and shopping malls are also targets, with thieves often taking advantage of crowded areas.
Shoplifting not only results in direct financial losses but also increases costs for businesses due to heightened security measures. The fear of theft can also affect the morale of staff, who may feel unsafe or unsure about handling suspicious activity. What’s more, frequent shoplifting incidents can disrupt operations, resulting in a damaged reputation and loss of customers.
2. Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is another common issue in Sheffield. It encompasses a range of disruptive behaviours, including noise, public drunkenness, vandalism and verbal abuse. 9,131 cases of anti-social behaviour were reported in 12 months, making it a significant concern for local communities in Sheffield.
This type of behaviour can severely affect the quality of life for residents, especially in neighbourhoods where incidents occur frequently, such as Firth Park and the city centre. Repeated disturbances like noise complaints, vandalism and aggressive behaviour can create feelings of fear or isolation among people living in or frequenting these areas. These types of incidents tend to peak during weekends or public holidays when large gatherings are more common.
Families, schools and community centres are often the most impacted, as they struggle to maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable individuals.
1. Violence and Sexual Offences
Violence and sexual offences are some of the most serious crimes affecting Sheffield, These offences can range from physical assaults to domestic violence and sexual misconduct. According to CrimeRate, 19,192 cases of such offences were recorded in a 12-month period from June 2023 to June 2024, making it the most common crime in Sheffield. These crimes can have a profound effect on victims, causing long-term emotional and psychological damage.
Violent and sexual offences have a severe impact on individuals, families and even entire communities. Victims often require support from local services, such as shelters and counselling, while neighbourhoods with high rates of such crimes can experience a heightened sense of fear.
The city centre faces the highest rate of violence and sexual offences, with residential areas Darnall and Burngreave following closely behind. These types of offences are often linked to poverty, social tensions and gang activity and pose significant risks to residents. Areas with more nightlife venues, like the city centre, also see elevated levels of alcohol-related violence, particularly on weekends.
Taybar’s Security Solutions
We’re committed to combatting crime in Sheffield, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of services for residential and commercial properties and public areas.
Mobile patrols provide a visible deterrent in high-risk areas, helping to prevent anti-social behaviour and property damage. These patrols are particularly effective in residential areas or business parks.
For businesses affected by theft or public disorder, Taybar’s manned guarding services ensure trained personnel are on-site to monitor and respond to incidents where necessary. This is crucial in busy retail areas like the city centre, where shoplifting and disturbances are more common.
Our CCTV monitoring and alarm response services allow for 24/7 surveillance of properties, helping deter criminal damage and ensuring quick responses to break-ins or vandalism.
Together, these security solutions can help protect businesses, homes and public spaces across Sheffield, creating a safer environment for everyone.
