Bolton upon Dearne Crime Rate

Bolton upon Dearne's crime profile is defined by a stark contrast: while its overall crime rate is 2.1% below the UK average, burglary rates are 108% above the national benchmark. This discrepancy highlights the area's unique challenges, particularly with burglary and a sharp 200% YoY rise in bicycle theft. Despite these issues, the area maintains a safety score of 78/100, reflecting a generally secure environment with targeted crime concerns.

Bolton upon Dearne is a built-up area within Barnsley, characterised by a mix of residential and industrial zones. Its proximity to Barnsley town centre and commuter routes likely influences crime patterns, with property crime tied to housing density and anti-social behaviour linked to local social dynamics. Economic factors, including employment opportunities in nearby sectors, may also shape the area's crime profile.

The most striking finding in Bolton upon Dearne's crime data is the burglary rate, which is 108% above the UK average (6.9 per 1,000 vs. 3.3 per 1,000). This stark elevation may be attributed to the area's housing composition, with older properties potentially offering easier access points for intruders. Violence and sexual offences, though 8% above the UK average, remain relatively low compared to other areas in South Yorkshire. Anti-social behaviour, however, shows a 24% YoY increase despite being 1% below the UK average, reflecting seasonal gatherings or community tensions. Property crime overall is 15.2% below the UK average, but burglary's disproportionate rise highlights a critical local concern.

Crime in Bolton upon Dearne has increased by 10.8% year-on-year, with the most striking rise in bicycle theft (+200% YoY). This surge, despite remaining 51% below the UK average, may be linked to increased cycling during the pandemic or inadequate bike storage solutions. Violence and sexual offences have also risen by 13.1% YoY, though they remain 8% above the UK average. Conversely, criminal damage and arson has fallen by 23.8% YoY, possibly due to targeted policing. The monthly trend shows a peak in May 2025 (9.5 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity.

How To Keep Safe in Bolton upon Dearne

Residents should secure windows and doors with high-quality locks and install motion-sensor lighting to deter burglars. Given the area's 108% above-average burglary rate, consider using alarms or security systems that trigger alerts. For anti-social behaviour, report incidents promptly through 101 to support local policing efforts. To reduce vehicle crime, park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in sight. These measures align with the area's specific crime patterns, offering targeted protection.

Crime in Bolton upon Dearne exhibits distinct temporal patterns. Burglary peaks in the evening (6pm-12am) and night (12am-6am), aligning with periods of reduced household activity and potential opportunistic targeting of unoccupied homes. Vehicle crime follows a similar nocturnal trend, spiking at night when parked vehicles are less likely to be monitored. Theft, however, is most frequent during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), possibly linked to retail activity or unsecured personal items. Other crimes, including anti-social behaviour, are most prevalent in the evening, suggesting a correlation with social interactions in public spaces.

Compared to Goldthorpe, which has a 70% higher crime rate (151.2 per 1,000), Bolton upon Dearne is comparatively safer. Wath upon Dearne's rate is 9% higher, while Thurnscoe's is 17% higher. Barnburgh and Harlington, with a 53.5 per 1,000 rate, is the safest neighbour. These differences likely reflect variations in population density, economic activity, and policing strategies.

Home security is critical in Bolton upon Dearne, where burglary rates are 108% above the UK average, scOS employs AI-powered perimeter detection to identify potential intruders before they act, triggering lights and audio deterrents autonomously. This system distinguishes between normal activity and threats, reducing false alarms. Cameras operate over Ethernet, eliminating Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, and contextual analysis (like time of day) enhances accuracy. Research shows that most opportunistic burglars abandon attempts within the first minute if detected, making proactive systems like scOS vital for residents.