Burley in Wharfedale Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 saw a marked shift in crime patterns in Burley in Wharfedale, with violence and sexual offences surging to 14 reported incidents — an 180% increase from November. This spike, coupled with a 100% rise in public order offences, highlights emerging risks for residents during the festive period. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents remains 48.6% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting its relatively low exposure to crime compared to national benchmarks. However, the seasonal context of December — characterised by extended evenings, holiday-related activity, and the closure of some local businesses — likely contributes to the rise in violent incidents. The breakdown of crimes shows that 66.7% of all reported incidents fall under violence and sexual offences, significantly outpacing property crimes (9.5%) and public order offences (14.3%). This shift from property-related to violent crime may reflect changes in community behaviour during the holiday season. The low rate of vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.2 per 1,000) — both below UK averages — suggests that local infrastructure and policing efforts may be effectively mitigating certain risks. As the year closes, the focus on violent crime underscores the need for heightened vigilance during periods of increased social interaction and reduced visibility, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or late-night activity.

The most alarming trend in December 2025 was the 180% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from five to 14 incidents. This category alone accounted for 66.7% of all crimes, a stark contrast to November’s balance. While the UK average for violent crime stands at 2.6 per 1,000 (7% below Burley’s rate), the local surge suggests a unique challenge in managing interpersonal conflicts during the festive season. Public order offences also doubled, reaching three incidents — 14% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This category often includes anti-social behaviour and disorder, which may be amplified by increased alcohol consumption and holiday-related gatherings. Conversely, other crime (e.g. fraud, harassment) fell by two-thirds, from three to one incident, indicating a possible reallocation of resources or attention during the month. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or retail activity, where the combination of seasonal events and dark evenings may create conditions conducive to violence and public disorder.

Burley in Wharfedale’s crime rate in December 2025 (3.6 per 1,000) marked a 61.5% increase from November’s rate of 2.2 per 1,000, reflecting a sharp upward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 280 residents — a figure that, while low compared to national averages, underscores the impact of a relatively small population on crime statistics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day, a rate that, while modest, highlights the concentrated nature of incidents during December. When contextualised against the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, Burley’s performance remains better, particularly in areas such as vehicle crime (19% below UK average) and criminal damage (62% below). However, the local surge in violent crime contrasts with the UK’s more stable trends, suggesting that local factors — such as community dynamics during the holiday season — may play a role. For residents, the monthly exposure figure of 1-in-280 provides a tangible sense of risk, though it remains significantly lower than the UK’s average of 1-in-140. This comparison reinforces the importance of localised policing strategies and community engagement in maintaining Burley’s relatively low crime profile despite the December spike.