The latest Home Office figures reveal that Blackpool has become the most dangerous place to live in England and Wales outside London, with a crime rate of 149 offences per 1,000 residents. This marks a shift from last year when Middlesbrough held the top spot. While overall recorded crime has fallen by two percent across England and Wales in 2025, certain areas continue to experience high levels of criminal activity.
Crime Trends Across England and Wales
Non-fraud crime dropped by two percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, with notable decreases in burglary (11 percent), theft (eight percent), and homicide (six percent). However, sexual offences rose by five percent, weapons possession by six percent, and drug offences by eight percent. These mixed results highlight ongoing challenges in tackling certain types of crime.
Top Five Most Dangerous Places (Outside London)
- Blackpool – 149 crimes per 1,000 residents
- Middlesbrough – 147 crimes per 1,000 residents
- Manchester – 143 crimes per 1,000 residents
- Hartlepool – 132 crimes per 1,000 residents
- Bristol – 130 crimes per 1,000 residents
Other high-crime areas include Liverpool (124), Nottingham (122), and Southampton (120). At the opposite end, Broadland in Norfolk is the safest area with just 35 crimes per 1,000 residents, followed by Waverley (37), Ribble Valley (38), and North Kesteven (38).
Police Response
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary stated: "We remain committed to disrupting and preventing crime across Lancashire, including in Blackpool. Dedicated teams cover community engagement, immediate response, and detective work to keep residents safe." Cleveland Police noted that Middlesbrough's high crime rate is being tackled through neighbourhood policing, drones, and targeted initiatives, achieving a 15 percent drop in crime since 2023.
London's Unique Crime Picture
London is excluded from the main rankings due to its skewed crime rate from tourists. Westminster has 380 offences per 1,000 residents, Camden 180, and Kensington and Chelsea 150. Outside central London, Islington (134) and Southwark (122) have the highest rates.
