Harden Crime Rate

Harden is one of the safest settlements in the region, boasting an exceptional safety score of 92/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the village is remarkably low at 34.0 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average of 91.7. Adding to this positive picture is a decreasing trend, with crime falling by 11.3% over the past year. These statistics reflect a very secure and peaceful community where criminal activity is rare. While violence and sexual offences are the most reported crime type, vehicle crime is a notable local concern, particularly at night. For residents of Harden, safety is a hallmark of the area, and the current trend suggests it is only becoming more secure.

Harden is an exceptionally low-crime area, where violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, accounting for 30.9% of the total. Vehicle crime follows closely at 23.6%, with anti-social behaviour and burglary both at 12.7%. These figures represent a very small number of actual incidents, reflecting the village's peaceful nature.

Property crime in Harden, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents. This is less than half the UK average of 32.3, making Harden one of the most secure places for homeowners in the entire local authority. Vehicle crime is the most frequent property offence at 8.0 per 1,000, while burglary sits at 4.3 per 1,000.

For residents, these statistics are highly encouraging. The low frequency of crime means that safety is a major benefit of living in the village. However, the fact that vehicle crime is the second most common crime type and accounts for nearly a quarter of all offences suggests that car security is a specific priority for the community. Residents should ensure their vehicles are well-protected, especially during the night.

Harden is currently seeing a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a -11.3% decrease in reported incidents over the last 12 months. This reduction reinforces the village's status as a safe place to live. Monthly data shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents starting at a very low 0.6 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 6.8 in April 2025.

The rate has remained consistently low throughout the year, with several months (December, June, July, October) staying below 1.5 per 1,000. While there was a slight increase in activity during April (6.8) and May (5.6), the overall trajectory is downward. This consistent reduction suggests that the area is maintaining its high safety standards. For residents, this trend provides confidence that the village remains a secure environment, with most months showing exceptionally low levels of criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Harden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Harden, though the actual number of incidents is very low. Maintaining the village's high safety standards involves simple, effective personal awareness.

1. Personal Awareness: Even in a very safe village, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit main roads.
2. Vehicle Care: With vehicle crime being a top concern and peaking at night, ensure your car is always locked and parked in a garage or under a sensor light if possible.
3. Home Security: Even in low-crime areas, opportunistic burglars look for easy targets. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are at home or in the garden.
4. Community Connection: Harden has a strong community spirit. Stay connected with neighbours and share information about any suspicious activity or unusual callers in the village.
5. Mark Your Property: Using forensic marking on high-value items like bikes and electronics can deter theft and help with recovery in the rare event of a crime.

In Harden, the timing of criminal activity follows very specific trends, despite the low overall volume. Vehicle crime is the absolute primary concern at night. Between midnight and 6am, vehicle-related offences account for a massive 73% of all reported incidents. This is one of the highest concentrations for any crime type in any period, suggesting that vehicles are the main targets during the quietest hours.

During the day, the profile changes. In the afternoon (12pm to 6pm), burglary peaks at 54% of all reports, while vehicle crime drops to 24%. This pattern indicates that daytime opportunistic crime is a factor when residents may be away from their homes. In the evening (6pm to midnight), vehicle crime remains high at 55%, and burglary accounts for 39%. For residents, this means that vehicle security is the absolute priority overnight and in the evening, while home security is most important during the afternoon.

Harden compares exceptionally well to its surrounding areas. It is notably safer than nearby Cullingworth, which has a crime rate of 81.0 per 1,000, and is much more secure than Bingley (81.7) and Keighley (154.4). Even compared to Wilsden (46.8), Harden remains the safer option. This high level of security makes the village a premier choice for those seeking a quiet, low-risk residential environment in the Bradford district. Its ability to maintain a crime rate that is nearly a third of the national average highlights its unique standing as one of the most secure villages in the local authority.

Harden’s exceptionally low property crime rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents is a major draw for the area, but vehicle crime remains a persistent local issue, accounting for nearly 24% of all offences. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, are reactive—they only provide footage of a crime that has already happened, which is often too late for vehicle theft.

For Harden homeowners who want to maintain their property's high level of security, scOS offers a proactive solution. By using AI to monitor your home's perimeter, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate. With vehicle crime peaking at a significant 73% during the night in Harden, scOS’s ability to monitor all cameras simultaneously and verify vehicles is a powerful deterrent. The system can autonomously engage intruders with lights and sound, often causing them to move on before they even touch a vehicle. This level of AI-driven protection is the modern standard for residents who value prevention and want to maintain the village's safe reputation.