Barnsley Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Barnsley

Barnsley, with a population of 251,770, experiences an overall crime rate of 109.9 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is higher than the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating that crime levels in Barnsley are somewhat elevated compared to the broader UK. The area's safety score is 75 out of 100, which is slightly below the UK average of 78/100, suggesting a moderate level of safety for its residents. In terms of recent trends, Barnsley has seen a stable period with a modest decrease of 4.2% in its year-over-year crime rate. This introduction provides a snapshot of Barnsley's crime landscape, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends.

About Barnsley

Barnsley is a large market town and the principal settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley. Historically a thriving industrial centre, particularly known for its coal mining and glassmaking heritage, today it features a mix of urban and suburban characteristics. The town centre serves as a commercial hub with retail, leisure, and transport links, including a busy train station and bus interchange, which can contribute to higher footfall and, in turn, certain types of crime such as theft and anti-social behaviour. The area also encompasses surrounding villages and residential zones, leading to varied crime patterns across the district. Economic factors, including employment rates and social deprivation, can play a role in shaping crime statistics, particularly for property and acquisitive crimes. The diverse nature of Barnsley, from its urban core to more residential outskirts, influences the overall crime rates and safety perception for its quarter-million residents.

Crime Breakdown in Barnsley

An analysis of crime types in Barnsley reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 9,702 crimes, or 35.0% of the total, equating to 38.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour, with 4,352 incidents (15.7% of total, 17.3 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson, which saw 2,621 occurrences (9.5% of total, 10.4 per 1,000). These top three categories represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area.

Property-related crime, a key concern for residents and homeowners, combines several categories: burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. In Barnsley, the property crime rate stands at 37.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is slightly above the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 1,436 burglaries (5.7 per 1,000), 1,550 vehicle crimes (6.2 per 1,000), 1,470 other thefts (5.8 per 1,000), 291 robberies (1.2 per 1,000), 92 thefts from person (0.4 per 1,000), and 72 bicycle thefts (0.3 per 1,000). The higher incidence of violence, anti-social behaviour, and a property crime rate above the national average suggests that residents may need to be mindful of personal safety and proactive in securing their homes and possessions.

Crime Trends in Barnsley

Barnsley has experienced a stable trend in its overall crime rate, showing a year-over-year decrease of 4.2%. This indicates a slight improvement in crime levels over the past 12 months compared to the preceding period. Looking at the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents has fluctuated. For instance, the rate was 10.1 in October 2024, decreasing to 8.3 in December 2024 and 8.2 in January and February 2025, suggesting a quieter period during the winter months. However, there was a noticeable increase in crime rates during the spring and early summer, peaking at 10.0 in May 2025 and remaining relatively high at 9.7 in June and 9.9 in July, before declining to 8.9 by September 2025. This pattern of lower crime in winter and higher in warmer months is a common trend across many areas. For residents, this stable trend with minor fluctuations suggests that while significant improvements are not yet apparent, the situation is not worsening, offering some reassurance regarding long-term safety.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

When comparing Barnsley's crime statistics with its neighbouring areas, a broader regional context emerges. Barnsley's overall crime rate of 109.9 per 1,000 is higher than the UK average. Looking at nearby large urban centres, Sheffield and Wakefield are typically larger and may present different crime landscapes. Rotherham, another close neighbour, often shares similar socio-economic characteristics and crime patterns. Kirklees, to the west, and Doncaster, to the east, also offer points of comparison, each with their own unique demographics and crime challenges. High Peak, being a more rural district, would naturally exhibit lower crime rates. Understanding these regional variations helps to contextualise Barnsley's crime rate, showing how it stands in relation to both more urban and more rural neighbours, providing a comprehensive view for residents and those considering moving to the area.

Protecting Your Property in Barnsley

Given Barnsley's property crime rate of 37.1 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the national average, it is prudent for residents to consider robust home security measures. Traditional security approaches often focus on recording an incident after it has occurred, such as with standard CCTV cameras. However, for true peace of mind and effective crime prevention, a proactive approach is far more effective.

The goal is to deter potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. This is where advanced, AI-powered systems like scOS offer a significant advantage. Instead of simply providing footage of a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it from happening in the first place. By detecting threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, it intervenes in real-time. Features like autonomous response, where lights activate and speakers engage, destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. While DIY systems can offer basic alerts, a professional-grade solution like scOS signals serious protection, making burglars decide within 60 seconds that your property is too difficult a target and move on. Investing in proactive security is a powerful way to safeguard your home and belongings, particularly in an area where property crime is a noted concern.