Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent have been identified as two of the most dangerous areas in England and Wales for sexual offences, according to the latest crime statistics. Nottingham ranks 8th nationally with a rate of 5.2 sexual offences per 1,000 residents, while Stoke-on-Trent is 10th with a rate of 5.0 per 1,000. The figures, covering the year ending March 2026, include rape, sexual assault, exposure, voyeurism, and grooming offences.
Crime Rate Methodology
The analysis calculated a per-capita crime rate for each area, dividing the number of recorded offences by the local population. This approach highlights areas with proportionally higher levels of sexual offending, rather than simply reflecting the larger populations of major cities. As a result, Birmingham, despite its size, did not appear in the top 10 hotspots for sex crimes.
National Context and Blackpool's Leading Rate
Blackpool recorded the highest rate of sexual offences in England and Wales, with 989 offences – including 301 rapes – equating to 6.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Across England and Wales, police recorded 217,000 sexual offences in the same period, a 4% increase from the previous year. This continues a broader trend: sexual offending has more than doubled since 2016, though experts suggest this may reflect improved victim confidence in reporting incidents.
Low Conviction Rates Raise Concerns
Despite the rising number of reports, conviction rates remain alarmingly low. Of all sexual offences recorded in the last year, fewer than one in 20 (4.7%) resulted in a charge. For rape specifically, the charge rate was even lower: just 3.6% of reported rapes involving female victims and only 1.4% involving male victims led to a suspect being charged. These figures underscore the challenges facing the criminal justice system in addressing sexual violence.
Nottingham's Broader Crime Issues
Nottingham's placement on the sex crime list adds to its recent notoriety as the 6th worst area in England for overall crime. The city's high rates across multiple categories highlight ongoing public safety concerns for residents and local authorities.
