Darton Crime Rate

Darton presents a notably secure profile within the Barnsley local authority, boasting an overall crime rate of 59.6 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a high safety score of 86/100. Recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 6.9% year-over-year. While the area maintains a safe reputation compared to many national benchmarks, understanding the specific patterns of local activity is essential for residents. The following analysis breaks down the types of crime prevalent in Darton and offers insights into the timing and trends of these incidents.

In Darton, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 373 incidents (38.6% of all recorded crime). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.3% and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. Together, these three categories represent the majority of local police activity.

Property crime in Darton, which encompasses burglary, various forms of theft, and vehicle-related offences, sits at a rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Specifically, vehicle crime (5.7%) and burglary (5.3%) are the most frequent property-related concerns.

For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while Darton is notably safer than many other urban areas, property protection remains a relevant consideration. The concentration of violence and anti-social behaviour highlights a need for general situational awareness, particularly in public spaces, while the property crime rate indicates that standard security measures are effective but should not be neglected.

Darton is currently experiencing a downward trend in criminal activity, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.9%. This reduction is a significant indicator of improving safety within the community. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout the year, starting at a low of 3.2 per 1,000 in January and reaching a peak of 6.4 in April.

Following the spring peak, the rate generally stabilised, though it saw another smaller rise to 6.1 in November before dropping back to 4.2 in December. These fluctuations are common in urban areas, often tied to seasonal changes and local events. The overall decrease suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are having a tangible impact. For residents, this trend provides reassurance, though the peaks in April and November serve as a reminder to remain vigilant during those specific times of the year.

How To Keep Safe in Darton

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Darton, accounting for 38.6% of local incidents. While many of these may be private or targeted, maintaining awareness in public spaces is always advisable.

To stay safe, always plan your routes when walking at night, sticking to well-lit, populated paths. If you are socialising in the evening, let someone know your expected return time. Trust your instincts; if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, move to a busier area immediately.

For property safety, given that vehicle crime and burglary are the primary property-related issues, ensure your home is well-secured. Use interior light timers when you are away to give the impression of occupancy. For vehicles, never leave valuables on display, as even low-value items can tempt opportunistic thieves. Reporting any suspicious anti-social behaviour to the local authorities can also help prevent minor issues from escalating.

Crime timing in Darton reveals distinct patterns across different periods of the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm), 'other' crimes and theft are the most prominent, accounting for 40% and 28% of activity respectively. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary becomes more frequent, reaching its daily peak of 25%, often while residents are away from their homes.

The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a significant shift, with 57% of crimes falling into the 'other' category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the primary window for vehicle crime, which spikes to 37% of all recorded incidents during these hours. Burglary also remains a threat at night, accounting for 22% of offences. These patterns suggest that while property crime is a round-the-clock concern, the specific risks shift from residential break-ins during the day to vehicle-related theft under the cover of darkness.

When compared to surrounding settlements, Darton occupies a middle ground for safety. It is significantly safer than Royston (Barnsley), which sees a much higher rate of 96.6 crimes per 1,000 people. It shares a very similar safety profile with Barugh Green and Redbrook, where the rate is 58.6. However, more rural or isolated neighbours like Woolley (0.0) and Notton (47.0) in the Wakefield district report lower crime volumes. For those looking at the wider Barnsley region, Darton stands out as a relatively low-crime urban area, offering a balance between accessibility and a secure residential environment.

With a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 in Darton, maintaining a secure home environment is a practical necessity. Traditional security often relies on reactive measures—cameras that record a burglary as it happens or alarms that sound only after a window has been smashed. For homeowners in Darton, the transition to proactive protection is a significant upgrade.

The scOS operating system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using AI to monitor camera feeds in real-time, it identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property before they escalate. Instead of just having footage of a vehicle crime or burglary to show the police, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio deterrents, to stop the intruder in their tracks. In an area like Darton, where burglary and vehicle crime are the main property concerns, this proactive approach ensures that your home is not just watched, but actively defended. This level of intelligent surveillance provides a deterrent that makes opportunistic criminals move on to easier targets.