Bradford Crime Rate

Bradford currently has an overall crime rate of 133.8 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. With a population of over 560,000, the district maintains a safety score of 66/100, placing it below the UK average safety score of 79/100. Recent data indicates a stable trend in local crime, with a minimal year-over-year increase of 0.2%. As a large and diverse metropolitan area, Bradford faces many of the safety challenges typical of major UK cities. However, the stable trend suggests that crime levels are being managed consistently. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and safety comparisons to help residents and visitors understand the local security environment.

Bradford's crime statistics are influenced by its status as one of the UK's largest and most diverse metropolitan districts. The area features a high-density urban core with a significant young population, which can contribute to higher recorded crime rates in central districts. As a major commercial and industrial hub, Bradford experiences high daily footfall from commuters and shoppers, impacting theft and shoplifting figures. The district also has vibrant nightlife and entertainment sectors that influence public order and alcohol-related incidents. Economic challenges in certain neighbourhoods and the transient nature of some populations are also contributing factors. However, Bradford also includes large suburban and rural areas where crime rates are much lower. These contrasting characteristics result in a complex safety profile that requires a nuanced understanding of local dynamics.

In Bradford, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 44.1% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 58.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 9.6%, followed by public order offences at 8.3%. Property-related crime is a major concern across the district, with an overall rate of 41.0 per 1,000 people. This includes a high volume of criminal damage and arson (7.1%), other theft (6.2%), and vehicle crime (5.3%). Burglary is also a notable factor, occurring at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of securing personal property and being aware of public safety, as theft and property-related offences constitute a substantial portion of the annual statistics.

The crime trend in Bradford is currently classified as stable, with a minimal year-over-year increase of 0.2%. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively consistent, ranging from a low of 9.8 in February to a peak of 12.2 in July. There was a slight increase during the spring and summer months, particularly from March to August, which may correlate with higher seasonal activity in the city centre. However, the rate returned to 10.3 by November 2025. This stability suggests that while crime remains a consistent factor in the district, there are no sudden surges or significant new threats emerging, allowing residents to rely on established safety patterns.

When comparing Bradford to its surrounding areas, there is a notable difference in reported figures. Bradford's rate of 133.8 per 1,000 is significantly higher than that of North Yorkshire (66.1). Other neighbouring districts such as Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale, and Wakefield all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset (likely due to reporting boundaries or specific data collection methods). This highlights Bradford's position as a primary urban and commercial hub for the region, where higher population density and retail activity naturally lead to more frequent police recorded incidents compared to its more rural or suburban neighbours.

Protecting a property in Bradford requires a shift from reactive to proactive security measures. With a property crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 people, the risk of burglary or vehicle theft is a tangible concern for residents. Traditional security systems often rely on recording footage of an event, which provides evidence but fails to stop the crime from occurring. In contrast, scOS provides an AI-powered operating system designed to prevent crime. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect threats in real-time. Features like autonomous responses—where lights and speakers activate upon detecting an intruder—destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Bradford homeowners, this proactive approach means that potential intruders are identified and deterred at the perimeter, long before they can cause damage or gain entry, offering a level of security that standard DIY cameras cannot match.

How To Keep Safe in Bradford

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Bradford, it is important to stay alert when moving through the district. Always plan your route in advance, especially when travelling at night, and stick to well-lit, busy streets where possible. If you are enjoying the area's nightlife, try to stay with a group of friends and keep an eye on your surroundings. Using registered taxi services or public transport hubs is safer than walking alone through quieter areas. Additionally, being mindful of your personal space in crowded commercial zones can help reduce the risk of becoming a target. Bradford is a vibrant and diverse area, and staying informed about local safety patterns allows you to enjoy it with greater confidence.