Birdwell Crime Rate

Birdwell is a notably safe urban settlement, offering residents a high level of security and peace of mind. With an overall crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 people, it sits well below the UK average of 91.7. This favourable statistic is further supported by a safety score of 85/100, which significantly exceeds the national average of 79. Perhaps most encouragingly, the area is experiencing a positive trend direction, with crime rates decreasing by 9.7% year-over-year. While violence and anti-social behaviour remain the most common reported issues, the overall downward trajectory of criminal activity makes Birdwell one of the more desirable locations in the Barnsley Local Authority for those prioritising safety.

Crime in Birdwell

In Birdwell, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 25.6% of all reports, or 19.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, making up 21.1% of total crime. Interestingly, shoplifting is the third most common offence at 10.4%, which is relatively high for an area of this size and suggests a concentration of retail-related incidents.

Property crime in Birdwell, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a combined rate of 32.4 per 1,000 people. This is almost identical to the UK average of 32.3, indicating a typical level of risk for homeowners. Burglary specifically accounts for 7.8% of crimes, while vehicle crime sits at 6.3%. Other theft is also prominent at 10.0%. For residents, this means that while the overall safety score of 85 is excellent, there is a consistent underlying threat to personal property. Protecting vehicles and ensuring homes are secure against opportunistic theft are essential daily practices in Birdwell to maintain the area's high safety standards.

The crime trend in Birdwell is very encouraging, with a year-over-year decrease of 9.7%. This indicates that the area is becoming safer, likely due to effective local policing and community awareness. Analysis of the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows some fluctuation, with the lowest crime rate recorded in February 2025 at 3.6 per 1,000. There was a notable peak in October 2025, where the rate rose to 9.4, and another high in August at 8.3.

These spikes suggest that while the overall trend is down, certain months—particularly in late summer and autumn—see temporary increases in activity. Residents should remain particularly vigilant during these periods. Despite these monthly variations, the overall reduction in crime is a strong signal of a improving safety environment in Birdwell. Consistent application of home security and community reporting will help maintain this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Birdwell

The most frequent crime type in Birdwell is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking near retail areas where shoplifting and associated anti-social incidents may be more common. Stick to well-populated and well-lit routes when moving through the village at night. Given that anti-social behaviour is a key concern, engaging with local community watch programmes can be an effective way to stay informed about local hotspots and report issues before they escalate. Additionally, since vehicle crime peaks during the night (41% of night-time offences), always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items, such as bags or electronics, visible through the windows. For those living near commercial zones, being mindful of the higher shoplifting rates can help you avoid areas where opportunistic confrontations might occur. Simple steps like using a personal alarm and keeping your phone accessible can provide an extra layer of personal security.

Crime timing in Birdwell shows clear shifts in risk throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are the dominant concern, accounting for 48% and 53% of crimes respectively. This suggests that retail areas and unattended properties are primary targets during daylight hours. Burglary also maintains a presence, peaking slightly in the afternoon at 23%.

As the sun sets, the nature of crime changes. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes (which include anti-social behaviour and public order) rise to 38%. However, the most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to 41% of all incidents. This indicates that while the overall volume of crime may be lower at night, vehicles parked outside are at their most vulnerable. Burglary also remains a steady threat overnight, representing 24% of night-time offences, often occurring while residents are asleep.

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Birdwell performs exceptionally well. Its crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 is considerably lower than the nearby urban centres of Hoyland (96.1) and Worsbrough (117.8). While it cannot match the zero-crime statistics of the tiny hamlets of Upper Hoyland and Upper Tankersley, Birdwell stands out as a very safe choice for an established residential community. For those looking at the South Yorkshire region, Birdwell provides a balance of urban convenience and a security profile that is superior to many of its larger neighbours, making it a benchmark for safety in the local area.

With a property crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents—almost exactly in line with the UK average—Birdwell homeowners are in a position to maintain the area's high safety score through smart security choices. While the area is safe, the presence of burglary and vehicle crime, particularly at night, highlights the need for more than just reactive cameras. Traditional systems like Ring or Nest are excellent for recording a crime that has already happened, but they often fail to prevent the incident itself. For those in Birdwell seeking true peace of mind, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the recommended solution. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can identify a threat before it reaches your door. Autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audio warnings, can stop a burglar in their tracks. In a community where crime is already decreasing, adopting proactive technology helps ensure your home remains a difficult target for the remaining criminal element.