When we think of British towns, charming cobbled streets, and picturesque landscapes often come to mind. However, behind some of these quaint facades lies a darker reality. Crime rates vary widely across the UK, and some towns have particularly troubling statistics. These are the 17 British towns you’ll want to avoid.
Blackpool
“Blackpool is the most dangerous town in Lancashire, according to figures,” says the Blackpool Gazette, and so the town is not only known for its lively seaside attractions but also its concerning crime rate. Blackpool struggles with high levels of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and public disorder, and drug-related crimes are also a significant issue, with various criminal activities affecting the community.
Luton
A town with a rich industrial history, Luton has seen a rise in crime rates over recent years, including violent crimes, assaults, and robberies, which are alarmingly common. Substance abuse is another major concern, with various gangs operating in the area. While local authorities are working hard to address these issues, the social and economic factors contributing to crime make it a difficult battle.
Oldham
Oldham, located in Greater Manchester, faces significant crime challenges, as the town has high rates of violent crime, particularly knife attacks and gang-related violence. Burglary and car theft are also prevalent, making certain neighbourhoods feel unsafe. Efforts to enhance community policing and social services are ongoing, but crime remains a major concern for residents.
Rochdale
Another town in Greater Manchester is Rochdale, which is also dealing with troubling crime statistics. Violent crimes, including assaults and stabbings, are frequent, and drug trafficking, as well as related activities, contribute to the overall crime rate despite local authorities implementing various strategies to improve safety.
Huddersfield
Huddersfield might be known for its historic architecture and university, but it has been grappling with increasing crime rates, including violent crimes and particularly muggings and assaults. These are becoming more common, along with drug-related crimes that are also on the rise, impacting the town’s sense of security.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough, located in North Yorkshire, has one of the highest crime rates in the UK. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, are prevalent. Issues related to substance abuse further contribute to the town’s troubling statistics. Local authorities are working to combat crime through various initiatives, but there are significant obstacles.
Hastings
Hastings, a seaside town in East Sussex, is facing a rise in crime despite its idyllic location. It’s known for violent crimes and drug-related offenses. The town has areas that are known for high levels of criminal activity, making residents feel less than safe.
Grimsby
Grimsby, known for its rich maritime heritage, is facing a surge in violent crimes like assaults and gang violence, causing insecurity among residents and straining law enforcement. Alongside violent crimes, the town deals with drug trafficking, theft, and vandalism. Community leaders and law enforcement are working tirelessly to combat these issues, but the challenges are complex, requiring coordinated and sustained efforts to restore safety in this once peaceful town.
Hartlepool
Located on the North Sea coast, Hartlepool is dealing with increasing crime rates, especially violent assaults and stabbings, which are a significant concern. It is also another town with drug-related crimes that are prevalent, affecting the town’s sense of security.
Burnley
Facing rising crime rates, particularly violent crimes and drug-related activities, Burnley, a town in Lancashire, has areas more affected by criminal activity, making residents feel vulnerable. The underlying social issues present ongoing challenges for police.
Walsall
Dealing with its own high crime rates, particularly violent crimes and drug-related activities, Walsall, a town in the West Midlands, has certain neighbourhoods which are known for high levels of criminal activity. This is impacting residents’ quality of life, despite efforts to combat crime through community policing and social initiatives.
Rotherham
Rotherham in South Yorkshire has been grappling with serious crime problems, including frequent violent incidents like attacks and thefts. The town also contends with issues related to illegal substance distribution, but local authorities face significant obstacles in their efforts to improve the situation.
Scunthorpe
Known for its steel production, the town of Scunthorpe has alarming crime statistics. Violent crimes, particularly assaults and stabbings, are prevalent in this town, and drug crime further contributes to the town’s crime statistics. Various initiatives are in place to try and protect residents, but the results have been mixed.
Doncaster
Doncaster, a town with a rich railway heritage, is dealing with rising crime statistics thanks to muggings and assaults being on the increase. It’s also another British town where drug-related offenses are a significant concern. The problematic social issues make it challenging to reduce these statistics.
Swindon
Certain areas of Swindon are more affected by criminal activity, making residents feel insecure, but it has been facing increasing crime rates overall. These have been violent crimes and drug crimes in particular, despite police efforts to support the community.
Bolton
Bolton, a town in Greater Manchester, is struggling with high crime rates, and the town has areas known for higher levels of criminal activity, affecting residents’ sense of security. Local authorities are working hard to address these issues through various initiatives, but the high crime statistics remain.
Bradford
Our final British town with surprising crime statistics is Bradford in West Yorkshire, which is dealing with violent offenses, including assaults and robberies, as well as crimes related to drugs. Residents and police alike face challenges when dealing with the crime prevalence in Bradford.
