Town with highest crime rate in England and Wales named most dangerous to live in UK

Latest Home Office data shows shows areas with the highest crime rates

Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows crime rates throughout the UK, with little to no overall increase over the last year.

The average crime rate is also said to be stable, as measured by the Crime Survey.

However, the latest figures from the Home Office show that Middlesbrough has become the town with the highest concentration of crime within the UK. 

The town surpasses Blackpool, the former most dangerous place to live according to the consensus. 

In July 2026, the northern seaside town of Blackpool had seen a 4% drop in criminal activity over the last 12 months.

Middlesbrough on the other hand has seen a 1% increase, surpassing the home of The Tangerines. 

Overall, the newest addition to the UK’s most dangerous town recorded a crime rate of 150 per 1,000 (committed crimes per 1,000 people).

Middlesbrough faces many challenges, including low employment and high levels of deprivation among neighbourhoods. 

The town has a population of about 156,000 people, facing varying offences ranging from violence, burglary and theft. 

Middlesbrough Council has set efforts to limit criminal offenses within the town borders. 

The town has seen a multi-million program with increased CCTV and aid towards vulnerable people. 

Other cities on the list include the likes of Manchester, Hartlepool, Bristol, and Blackpool which retains the number two spot.