Bolton upon Dearne Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Bolton upon Dearne

Bolton upon Dearne, a built-up area with a population of 7,699, records an overall crime rate of 86.1 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is lower than the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating that crime levels in Bolton upon Dearne are comparatively safer than the broader UK. The area's safety score is 79 out of 100, which is slightly above the UK average of 78/100, suggesting a good level of safety for its residents. In terms of recent trends, Bolton upon Dearne has seen a stable period with a slight year-over-year increase of 4.4% in its crime rate. This introduction provides a concise overview of Bolton upon Dearne's crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends.

Crime Breakdown in Bolton upon Dearne

An analysis of crime types in Bolton upon Dearne reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with 240 incidents, accounting for 36.2% of the total, at a rate of 31.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 110 crimes (16.6% of total, 14.3 per 1,000), followed by criminal damage and arson, which saw 70 occurrences (10.6% of total, 9.1 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, includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. In Bolton upon Dearne, the property crime rate stands at 29.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 48 burglaries (6.2 per 1,000), 46 vehicle crimes (6.0 per 1,000), 34 other thefts (4.4 per 1,000), 9 robberies (1.2 per 1,000), and 3 bicycle thefts (0.4 per 1,000). While overall property crime is lower than the national average, the presence of these incidents suggests that residents may still benefit from proactive security measures to safeguard their homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Bolton upon Dearne

Bolton upon Dearne has experienced a stable trend in its overall crime rate, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 4.4%. This indicates a marginal rise in crime levels over the past 12 months compared to the preceding period. Examining the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 7.7 in October 2024, saw a dip to 4.7 in January 2025, and then fluctuated between 6.4 and 9.5 in the subsequent months, ending at 7.3 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a generally consistent level of crime with some notable peaks, providing residents with a clear understanding of ongoing local crime dynamics and the overall stable trend.

Crime Time Patterns in Bolton upon Dearne

Crime patterns in Bolton upon Dearne show variations throughout the day. Mornings (6am-12pm) typically see a higher proportion of theft and vehicle crime, likely linked to residents leaving for work and commercial activity commencing. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), burglary becomes more pronounced, alongside continued theft, suggesting opportunism during daytime hours when properties may be unoccupied. Evening hours (6pm-12am) indicate a notable increase in "other" crimes, which can encompass a range of incidents, with vehicle crime also remaining a factor. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and burglary are key concerns, as properties and vehicles are more vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Understanding these patterns can help residents to implement targeted security measures at specific times.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

To provide a local context for crime in Bolton upon Dearne, it is helpful to compare its statistics with neighbouring built-up areas. Bolton upon Dearne has an overall crime rate of 86.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. Comparing this to Goldthorpe, Wath upon Dearne, Thurnscoe, and Barnburgh and Harlington offers valuable insights. Each of these areas, while geographically close, will have its own demographic and socio-economic factors influencing crime. For instance, areas with more residential characteristics might see different crime patterns compared to those with more mixed-use or commercial zones. This comparison helps residents understand how the safety profile of Bolton upon Dearne relates to its immediate surroundings, assisting in decisions about local living and community involvement.

Protecting Your Property in Bolton upon Dearne

With a property crime rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people in Bolton upon Dearne, which is below the national average, residents can still benefit from robust security measures for their homes and vehicles. While the area shows a comparatively lower rate of property crime, it is important to consider security solutions that go beyond merely recording an incident after it has occurred. Traditional CCTV systems, while providing footage, do not actively deter or prevent a break-in.

For truly effective protection, a proactive, AI-powered security approach is recommended. Systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at your property's boundary, before an intruder gains entry. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS continuously monitors your premises, learning routines and only alerting on real threats. When a potential intruder is detected, autonomous responses such as activating lights and engaging speakers can instantly destroy the element of surprise, making the property an unattractive target. This professional-grade deterrence ensures that most burglars, who make their decision within 60 seconds, will simply move on. Investing in such advanced prevention is a far more effective strategy than relying on systems that only document a crime after it has happened.