Burley in Wharfedale Crime Rate

Burley in Wharfedale is an exceptionally safe urban settlement, boasting an overall crime rate of just 35.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, and the area’s safety score of 91/100 is well above the national average of 79. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a highly positive direction, with a substantial 25.5% decrease in total offences over the last year. For its 5,875 residents, these statistics represent one of the most secure environments in the Bradford local authority area. The low crime rate and improving trend make Burley in Wharfedale a premier choice for those seeking safety and peace of mind.

In Burley in Wharfedale, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.1% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.1% and 'other theft' at 10.1%. Property-related crime is a key metric for residents, and the area maintains a low property crime rate of 13.6 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary, which represents 9.7% of total crime, and vehicle crime at 6.8%. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also feature, accounting for 7.7% and 7.2% respectively. While the percentage of burglary is relatively high within the local breakdown, the actual number of incidents remains low due to the small population. For homeowners, the primary property risks are opportunistic theft and criminal damage, suggesting that while the area is very safe, basic security precautions remain essential to protect homes and vehicles.

The crime trend in Burley in Wharfedale is exceptionally positive, with total offences decreasing by 25.5% over the last 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low crime rates, with figures rarely exceeding 4.0 per 1,000 residents. The year began with very low rates in December (2.9) and January (2.7), followed by a slight spring fluctuation. A peak was observed in July at 4.6 per 1,000, which is still remarkably low compared to national averages. Since that peak, the rate has trended downwards again, reaching its lowest point of 1.9 in October. This sustained reduction in crime, starting from an already low baseline, reinforces Burley in Wharfedale’s reputation as one of the safest communities in the region.

How To Keep Safe in Burley in Wharfedale

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Burley in Wharfedale, though the overall numbers remain very low. To maintain your personal safety in this secure village, consider these proactive steps:

• Stay alert in quiet areas: Even in very safe areas, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in less populated parts of the village after dark.
• Use well-lit routes: Stick to the main, well-illuminated streets when walking home at night, and avoid using shortcuts through unlit footpaths.
• Keep your phone accessible: Ensure your mobile phone is charged and easily reachable in case you need to contact someone or use a safety app.
• Participate in community watch: Engaging with local neighbourhood watch programmes can help keep the community informed and further deter the low levels of crime that do occur.

Crime in Burley in Wharfedale follows predictable time-based trends. Theft is primarily a daytime occurrence, with 43% of incidents happening in the morning and 45% in the afternoon. This is likely due to the increased activity around local shops and services during these hours. As night falls, the nature of crime shifts toward property-related offences. Burglary is a persistent threat throughout the 24-hour cycle but reaches its peak at night (33%) and in the afternoon (29%). Vehicle crime is also most prevalent during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), accounting for 30% of incidents in that period. Conversely, 'other' crime types, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, peak during the evening (42%). This data suggests that while the village is very safe, residents should be most vigilant about home and vehicle security overnight.

In a regional context, Burley in Wharfedale is a safety standout. It is notably more secure than its immediate neighbour Menston, which has a rate of 43.3 per 1,000, and significantly safer than Ilkley (55.4). When compared to nearby larger settlements like Otley (63.5) and Guiseley (77.3), Burley in Wharfedale offers a much quieter and lower-risk environment. This makes it an ideal location for those who work in the surrounding towns but prefer the security of a village with a crime rate that is less than half the national average.

Despite the low property crime rate of 13.6 per 1,000 in Burley in Wharfedale, homeowners should not be complacent. Opportunistic criminals often target safer areas precisely because security may be more relaxed. Traditional security measures, such as basic cameras, are reactive—they only tell you that a crime has happened. scOS changes this dynamic by offering proactive AI protection. The system monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying threats before they escalate. With multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses, scOS can activate lights or speakers to deter a burglar within seconds of them approaching. For residents of Burley in Wharfedale, this professional-grade deterrence is the ultimate way to maintain the area's high safety standards at a personal level, ensuring that your home remains a secure sanctuary even in the face of rare opportunistic threats.