Burley in Wharfedale Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Burley in Wharfedale's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 47.6% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area's relative safety, though the data reveals a nuanced picture of crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.6% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (11.5%) and anti-social behaviour (11.5%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related incidents, which may be influenced by the area's semi-rural character and limited commercial density. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may have contributed to the prevalence of violence and public order offences. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Burley (1.5 per 1,000) is 47% below the UK average, indicating a strong deviation from national trends. This could reflect the community's low population density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the presence of anti-social behaviour at a rate 66% below the UK average suggests that local factors, such as community cohesion or policing strategies, may be playing a role. The overall crime profile for Burley in Wharfedale appears to be shaped by its geographical and social context, with limited exposure to high-risk environments typical of larger urban centres. While the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, the data underscores the importance of maintaining targeted interventions for the most prevalent crime types.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing double-digit percentage changes. Other crime increased by 100% (from 1 to 2 incidents), as did public order offences (1 to 2) and vehicle crime (0 to 2). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging trends requiring attention. Conversely, burglary decreased by 50% (from 2 to 1), and shoplifting fell by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), suggesting some success in addressing property-related crime. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mixed picture: while violent crime (1.5 per 1,000) is 47% below the UK average, other crime—though still low—surpassed the national rate by 76% (0.3 vs 0.2 per 1,000). This anomaly may reflect underreporting or unique local circumstances. The increase in vehicle crime could be linked to seasonal factors, such as more frequent car use during longer evenings. For residents, the 100% rise in 'other crime'—a category that includes a range of unspecified offences—may warrant closer scrutiny to identify potential risks. The overall crime mix in Burley in Wharfedale remains skewed towards interpersonal and property-related incidents, with violent crime accounting for over a third of all reported crimes. These proportions differ markedly from the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. The absence of significant changes in burglary or shoplifting rates suggests that targeted measures may have stabilised these areas.

Burley in Wharfedale's crime rate remained stable compared to the previous month, with no change from 4.4 per 1,000 in April 2024. This consistency provides reassurance to residents that the area's safety profile has not deteriorated. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day in May 2024, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the small population of 5,875 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 226 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to most UK locations. This statistic translates to a 1-in-226 chance of being directly affected by crime, which is significantly lower than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the area's status as a relatively safe community, though it also highlights the vulnerability of individual residents to the small number of incidents that do occur. For context, the UK's average monthly exposure is roughly 1-in-120 residents, meaning Burley's residents face half the risk. This disparity may be attributed to the area's semi-rural nature, which often correlates with lower crime rates due to factors like reduced population density and stronger community networks. However, the 76% increase in 'other crime' compared to the UK average suggests that certain types of offences may be underrepresented in national statistics or overrepresented in Burley. Residents should interpret these figures with care, as the low overall crime rate can sometimes mask the impact of individual incidents on local communities.