Bradford Crime Rate

The Bradford urban area has an overall crime rate of 161.3 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. The city holds a safety score of 59/100, placing it below the UK average of 79/100. Recent data indicates a stable trend in local crime, with a 1.3% increase year-over-year. As a major metropolitan centre, Bradford faces many of the safety challenges common to large UK cities, including high levels of violence and property crime. However, the stable trend suggests that these levels are consistent with previous years. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, timing, and safety comparisons to help residents and visitors stay informed about the local environment.

In the Bradford urban area, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 44.2% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 9.0%, followed by public order offences at 8.4%. Property crime is a significant issue in the city, with an overall rate of 48.8 per 1,000 residents. This includes criminal damage and arson (7.4%), other theft (6.5%), and vehicle crime (5.4%). Burglary also occurs at a rate of 7.0 per 1,000. For residents and business owners, these figures highlight the importance of robust property security, as theft and damage-related offences constitute a major portion of the local crime profile. The high rates of vehicle crime and burglary are particularly relevant for homeowners.

The crime trend in the Bradford urban area is currently stable, with a 1.3% increase in reported incidents over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained consistently high, ranging from 12.1 in February to a peak of 14.5 in July and August. These summer months saw a notable increase in activity, which is common in large urban centres with high seasonal footfall. However, the rate settled back to 12.6 by November 2025. This long-term stability suggests that while crime remains a significant factor in the city, the overall volume of offences is consistent with previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Bradford

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Bradford, personal safety awareness is crucial. When out in the city, especially during the evening, try to stay on well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts or isolated areas. If you are walking alone, staying alert and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can help you stay safe. Vehicle crime is also a significant factor, particularly during the night, so always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items of value inside. Residents can also help keep the city safe by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Staying informed about local crime patterns is the first step in maintaining a secure environment in a busy urban area.

Crime timing in the Bradford urban area shows clear trends throughout the day. In the morning and afternoon, theft is a primary concern, accounting for 43% and 47% of offences respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 20%. As the day transitions into evening, "other" crimes become more frequent (46%). However, the most significant pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime accounts for 42% of all recorded incidents. This suggests that vehicles are particularly vulnerable during the early hours of the morning, while daytime crime is more likely to be opportunistic theft. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security measures accordingly.

In the local regional context, the Bradford urban area has the highest crime rate among its neighbours at 161.3 per 1,000. This is higher than nearby Shipley (132.7), Thornton (105.2), and Pudsey (104.6). It is also significantly more active than Oakenshaw, which has a rate of 84.4. These comparisons highlight Bradford's position as the primary commercial and urban hub for the district, where higher population density and retail activity naturally lead to more frequent police recorded incidents than in the surrounding suburban areas.

For residents of the Bradford urban area, the property crime rate of 48.8 per 1,000 highlights the importance of effective home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. To truly protect your property, a proactive approach is necessary. scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at the property boundary in real-time. This is especially relevant given that vehicle crime is a major concern in the city, particularly at night. scOS can detect unknown individuals near your vehicle and autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes intruders to move on before they can cause any damage. By choosing a system that prevents rather than just records, you can significantly enhance the security of your home and vehicles in a high-activity urban environment.