Bradford Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bradford's December 2025 crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 41.4% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, highlighting a stark contrast with national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 45.3% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 4.5 per 1,000—75% above the UK average. This surge in violent crime may partly explain the overall rate, though seasonal factors like Christmas shopping and darker evenings could have amplified tensions in densely populated areas. Property crimes, though lower than violent offences, still accounted for 32.3% of total incidents, with criminal damage and arson (7.7%) and public order offences (7.1%) showing rates 54% and 59% above UK averages respectively. The data suggests a combination of local demographics and seasonal pressures, with the town’s history as a post-industrial city likely contributing to persistent property crime issues. While anti-social behaviour incidents fell sharply by 38% compared to November, this decline may reflect the impact of holiday-related closures and reduced public activity. The sharp contrast between violent crime rates and bicycle theft, which remained 100% below the UK average, raises questions about the effectiveness of local initiatives targeting specific crime types. The month’s context—characterised by festive shopping, party season, and empty homes during the holidays—may have influenced patterns.

December 2025 saw a 40% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 10 to 14 incidents—a stark contrast to the category’s 100% below UK average. This anomaly may reflect heightened activity in areas with high cycling infrastructure or unsecured bike storage, despite overall rates remaining low. Concurrently, theft from the person rose 27%, from 37 to 47 cases, suggesting potential vulnerabilities during crowded holiday shopping periods. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour incidents dropped by 38% compared to November, falling from 558 to 346—a decline that may correlate with reduced public gatherings during the festive season. Vehicle crime also fell by 13.3%, from 384 to 333, linked to fewer commuters or seasonal vehicle storage. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate of 4.5 per 1,000 (75% above UK average), underscoring ongoing challenges in managing violent crime. Shoplifting rates in Bradford (0.5 per 1,000) were 12% below the UK average, indicating possible success in retail security measures. Residents may find the sharp increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, given the category’s otherwise low profile in local crime statistics.

Bradford’s December 2025 crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 represents a 3.8% decrease from November’s 10.3 per 1,000, suggesting a slight improvement in overall safety despite remaining 41.4% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 180 crimes per day—a figure that, while high compared to national standards, may be influenced by Bradford’s larger population and historical crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the persistent presence of crime in daily life. With a population of 563,605, Bradford’s crime profile reflects the challenges of a major urban centre with a legacy of industrial decline. The UK average of 7.0 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark, yet local conditions—such as the density of retail and public spaces—likely contribute to the higher rate. While the 3.8% month-on-month reduction is a positive sign, the overall rate remains significantly above national levels, indicating the need for targeted interventions. The disparity between Bradford’s crime rates and the UK average underscores the importance of localised strategies, particularly in addressing violent crime and property offences that continue to outpace national trends.