MAP: Worcester city centre among worst neighbourhoods for crime in UK

This paper's analysis of more than three million crime reports revealed the area between Lowesmoor and Friar Street ranks 84th out of more than 33,000 neighbourhoods for the most crimes committed per 100 residents.

On average, nearly one crime was recorded for every two people living in the area between March and August this year, ranking it above city centres in places such as Birmingham and Sunderland.

In fact, when comparing the figures to other neighbourhoods in England and Wales, the area is among the top 0.25%.

What does the data show?

Between March and April this year there were 498 crimes committed in the city centre area, which encompasses Tolladine Road, Lowesmoor, The Shambles, High Street and Friar Street.

Of the total 498 crimes registered, violent or sexual offences were the most common, with 220 incidents reported. 

Unsurprisingly, shoplifting was the second highest crime on the list as police recorded a total 88 incidents, closely followed by 59 public order offences.

Data also shows a shocking 13 people were found in possession of offensive weapons during the six-month period.

How does the total crime compare to other areas?

The picture for total crime is a slightly better one, with Worcester ranking 278th of 33,325 neighbourhoods.

However, this still puts the city centre in the top 8% of the worst areas for crime in England and Wales.

How does this compare with the rest of the city?

As shown by the map, the area of the city centre encompassing Foregrate Street and Crowngate Bus Station was also a hotspot for illegal activity, with 473 crimes reported. 

These two areas of the city centre far exceeded any other neighbourhood in Worcester for crime.

Responding to the findings, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "West Mercia Police carry out regular patrols throughout our region and work closely with communities and businesses to prevent crime.

"A wide variety of advice on how to keep yourselves, your property and your business safe is available here: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/.

"Local advice, updates and information can also be found on Neighbourhood Matters.

"Anyone can sign up to receive updates and alerts from your local policing teams.  

"Head to https://neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk to find out more.

"Neighbourhood Matters really can make a big difference in our communities by allowing us to send and receive messages via email, text and voice message.

"It’s a vital tool for our force, helping us to strengthen relationships with our local communities and fulfil the policing promises set out in our Local Community Policing Charter. 

"This means we are now targeting specific geographical areas and user groups, sending out alerts about incidents and crime trends as well as issuing crime prevention advice."

The analysis does not include Scotland or Northern Ireland. Police report figures for Greater Manchester are incomplete. If an LSOA neighbourhood has seen a large change in population since the 2011 Census, the area's figures may be distorted. 

Hotspots of criminality have been identified by comparing crime report figures in "LSOA areas" - or neighbourhoods - with Census population data.