Sheffield is a vibrant city located in the South of Yorkshire. It has a population of over 550,000, making it the second largest city in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.
Famous for its long sporting history and beautiful surroundings, Sheffield attracts over 17 million visitors each year. It is considered the safest major city in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a whole, but like any city, it still experiences its fair share of crime, with a crime rate of 106 crimes per 1,000 people recorded in 2023.
Whether you’re a resident, student or visitor, being aware of your surroundings and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself can go a long way in ensuring your safety.
In this blog, we’ll provide some tips for staying safe across different environments in Sheffield. From avoiding risky areas to securing your valuables and investing in security services like Taybar’s mobile patrols and alarm response, these tips will help you navigate the city safely.
1. Avoid Certain Areas After Dark
While Sheffield is generally a safe city, certain areas experience higher crime rates, particularly at night. Neighbourhoods like Burngreave, Darnall and Manor Castle are known for elevated levels of violent crime, including anti-social behaviour. As such, it’s advisable to avoid these areas after dark unless absolutely necessary.
If you need to travel through one of these areas at night, try to stay on well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through parks or alleyways. It’s always safer to take a longer, more public route than to risk walking through dimly lit spaces. If you’re alone, consider using public transport or a taxi instead of walking. Travelling in groups also reduces the risk of becoming a target, as criminals are generally less likely to approach a group of people over someone walking alone.
2. Remain Vigilant
Remaining aware of your surroundings is crucial to staying safe in the city. Whether you’re in the busy city centre or quieter residential areas like Firth Park, being alert can help you avoid potential dangers. Criminals often target individuals who appear distracted or unaware, so keeping your head up and remaining vigilant can deter them.
Staying alert is particularly important in areas with higher crime rates, such as Burngreave or Darnall, where crimes like theft and anti-social behaviour are more common. By staying aware of your surroundings and using common sense, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to crime.
When walking in crowded spaces, such as shopping malls, avoid using your phone or wearing headphones that block out surrounding sounds. Instead, try making eye contact with those around you to signal that you’re vigilant and not an easy target. If you notice anyone acting suspiciously or you feel unsafe, seek refuge in a nearby cafe or shop.
3. Keep Valuables Hidden
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from theft in Sheffield is to keep your valuables hidden when you’re out and about. Thieves often target people who use their phones, wallets or other expensive items out in the open, particularly in busy areas like the city centre or bus and train stations. By keeping these items tucked away, you’ll reduce the chances of becoming a target.
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, and thieves have even been known to snatch valuables when travelling by bike. Keeping your valuables close to you by storing them inside pockets or cross-body bags is a good way to prevent theft.
4. Stay Safe on Public Transport
Travelling by bus, train or tram is a convenient way to get around Sheffield, but it’s important to stay alert, especially during off-peak hours or when travelling solo. Buses and trams are generally safe, but theft and anti-social behaviour can occur, particularly in crowded or poorly monitored carriages.
Try to sit near the driver or other passengers and avoid empty carriages, especially at night. Keeping your personal belongings close to you reduces the risk of pickpocketing, which can be an issue during busy hours. Be sure to plan your route ahead of time so that you’re not left waiting in poorly lit areas for long periods.
If you ever feel unsafe on public transport, try to move closer to busier sections or notify a conductor or driver. You might also consider reporting suspicious behaviour to the British Transport Police by texting 61016.
5. Keep Your Vehicle Secure
Keeping your vehicle and its contents safe is essential, especially in areas where vehicle crime is more common, such as Darnall and Manor Castle. Simple precautions like always locking your doors and parking in well-lit areas can go a long way in preventing vehicle crime. Where possible, use secure car parks or designated parking zones, especially if you’re leaving your car unattended for extended periods of time.
Avoid leaving valuables such as electronics or shopping bags visible inside your vehicle. Criminals often target cars with valuables on show, so stow away items in the boot or glove compartment. It’s also advisable to use steering wheel locks to make your car less appealing to thieves.
Where to Turn for Help
Knowing who to contact in case of an emergency is crucial. Whether you’re concerned about suspicious activity, need assistance or want to improve your security measures, Sheffield offers several resources to help keep you safe.
Emergency Services
For immediate safety concerns, you should always contact the police by dialling 999. For less urgent matters, you can reach South Yorkshire Police at 101. This is useful for reporting minor incidents or seeking advice on safety concerns in your area.
Additionally, if you witness a crime but wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or report it online.
Local Community Initiatives
Sheffield has several local safety programmes, including Neighbourhood Watch schemes and The Safer Sheffield Partnership, through which residents and local councils work together to address local issues, share information and enhance overall safety. You can enquire with Sheffield City Council for details on joining local schemes or find out more information on the South Yorkshire Police website.
Security Solutions with Taybar
For businesses and residents looking for professional security solutions, Taybar offers a range of services, from mobile patrols and alarm response to manned guarding. With trained security personnel available at your disposal, we can help you manage crowd control, prevent theft and ensure the safety of staff and customers on your premises.
