Known as one of the safest cities, York’s crime rates are rising meaning it might lose this title.
In North Yorkshire, York is statistically the most dangerous major town.
Crimes are commonly violet crimes, anti-social crimes, robbery and recently an increase of abuse and hate crime towards the LGBTQ+ community.
There were 4,644 reported sexual and violent offenses in North Yorkshire in 2026, which is 0.72% higher than 2025.
Over half of those violent crimes are linked to alcohol with two thirds of violent crimes happening at night.
Lucy Scott a York resident says: “I think that York’s crime rates has increased, when I look on the news there is new crime every week, it is starting to be concerning. I’m starting to not want to be alone when it’s dark in York it’s scary.”
In 2025 the statics show that there are 83 crimes per 1,000 people which is 22% higher than the North Yorkshire average rate.
Could a hike in Council Tax pay for more policing?
It is such a rising concern that the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith is considering an increase in bills to support frontline policing.
A rise of £15 has been proposed per year for Band D property in York and North Yorkshire for 2026/27.
David Skaith says: “Our emergency services do an amazing job keeping us safe, it’s vital they have the resources to do that”
Orders in place to prevent anti-social behaviour
City of York Council are adding a public space protection order in December 2025 to the Anti-Social Behavior Crime and Policing Act.
The order would allow police to stop people from carrying out anti-social behaviour within a specific area of the city, namely The Groves and Union Terrace areas – marked out on this map .
This order is also in place to reduce heavy drinking, giving the police the rights to ask someone to stop drinking alcohol.
If someone refuses they will be given a fixed penalty of £100 or a £75 fine if paid within 14 days.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith says: “Ensuring York and North Yorkshire is a safe place for everyone who lives, works and visits here is my highest priority.”
