Leeds city centre has been named as the most dangerous area in England and Wales, when it comes to crime, outside of London.
In the centre of the city, there are 1,366 offences for every 1,000 residents. This adds up to one offence being committed every 41 minutes.
This is both the highest crime rate in Yorkshire and the third highest crime rate out of nearly 7,000 neighbourhoods across England and Wales.
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In particular, violent and sexual offences are a serious issue in the centre of Leeds. There was a total of 3,761 crimes of a violent or sexual nature last year, again, the third highest in England and Wales.
Shoplifting and public order offences are the highest in the country in Leeds City Centre. Meanwhile, the rate of burglary is the third highest and the rate of arson and criminal damage is fourth highest while bicycle theft is fifth highest.
In Leeds itself, the area with the second highest crime rate was Harehills South where 336 crimes are committed per every 1,000 residents. This is followed by Lincoln Green and St James with a crime rate of 302 per 1,000 residents.
You can check out the crime rate in your area using the following tool:
Diana Fawcett, chief executive at the charity Victim Support, said: "Around one in five of us will become a victim of crime each year and the impact can be devastating. From disturbing people’s basic sense of safety and security, to turning lives upside down." She added: "It is important that police forces are properly resourced and funded in their efforts to tackle crime and promote public safety."
The area with the highest rate of crime in the country was London's Fitzrovia West and Soho neighbourhood. There, there are 3,500 offences for every 1,000 residents. In second place comes Strand, St James & Mayfair, also in London. The safest place to live in England and Wales is Hightown, Mossley & Timbersbrook, on the outskirts of Congleton in Cheshire East.
According to official police figures, there were just 18 crimes during the whole of last year, all of anti-social behaviour. This comes out to just three crimes for every 1,000 residents. DCC Claire Parmenter, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for neighbourhood policing, said: "Neighbourhood policing is a vital part of how we gather intelligence and prevent crime.
"Working with local communities and partners to problem solve, tackle anti-social behaviour, supporting victims of domestic abuse, and diverting young people from offending are just some examples of the challenging and rewarding work officers do. Visibility and engagement with local communities has always been central to the British policing model and police leaders are in agreement that it must always remain at the heart of what we do."
Anyone who has been a victim of crime can contact Victim Support by using the charity’s free, 24/7 Supportline or by using Live Chat on the website, victimsupport.org.uk.
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