Ilkley Crime Rate

Ilkley is a very safe and desirable urban settlement with a crime rate of 55.4 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The town maintains an excellent safety score of 87/100, well above the UK average of 79/100. Most encouragingly, the crime trend in Ilkley is decreasing, with a 17.2% reduction in reported incidents over the last year. As a prosperous and popular residential area, Ilkley is generally very peaceful, though it faces some challenges typical of urban settlements, particularly in property crime types like burglary and shoplifting. Understanding the local crime breakdown and the timing of offences can help residents stay informed and secure. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the current safety landscape in Ilkley.

In Ilkley, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 33.5% of all reports. Shoplifting is the second most frequent at 13.2%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.6%. Property-related crime is a notable factor in the area, with an overall rate of 24.3 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary (9.1%), other theft (8.6%), and criminal damage and arson (7.0%). Vehicle crime also occurs at a rate of 2.6 per 1,000. For residents and business owners, these figures highlight the importance of robust property security, as burglary and theft-related offences constitute a substantial portion of the local crime profile. The burglary rate of 5.1 per 1,000 is a key consideration for homeowners.

The crime trend in Ilkley is significantly improving, with a 17.2% decrease in reported incidents over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 3.4 in December and reaching a peak of 7.0 in June. While there were some monthly variations, the overall downward trend is a very positive indicator for the community. This reduction in crime suggests that Ilkley is becoming a safer place to live, with a clear decline in the total volume of offences. For residents, this long-term improvement is a reassuring sign for the area's security.

How To Keep Safe in Ilkley

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Ilkley, personal safety awareness is important. When out in the town, especially during the evening, try to stay on well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts. If you are walking alone, staying alert and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can help you stay safe. Burglary is also a significant concern, particularly in the afternoon and at night, so always ensure your home is well-secured even when you are only out for a short time. Residents can also help keep the town safe by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Shoplifting is a notable factor in the town centre, so business owners should also consider proactive security measures. Staying informed about local crime patterns is the first step in maintaining a secure environment.

Crime in Ilkley follows specific time-based trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a major component, making up 43% of offences in both periods. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon at a high of 34%. As the day transitions into evening, "other" crimes become more prevalent (36%) and burglary remains high at 33%. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for property crime, with burglary accounting for 37% and vehicle crime for 31% of all recorded incidents. This suggests that properties and vehicles are most vulnerable during the early hours of the morning, while the afternoon also presents a significant risk for burglary. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security measures accordingly.

In the local regional context, Ilkley compares very favourably to its neighbours. Its crime rate of 55.4 is lower than nearby Silsden (64.0). While it is more active than the smaller, more rural villages of Addingham (31.1), Burley in Wharfedale (35.2), and East Morton (35.3), it remains one of the safest urban settlements in the wider Bradford district. For those looking for a balance between town amenities and a very safe residential environment, Ilkley is an outstanding choice, especially given its significant recent reduction in crime.

For residents of Ilkley, the property crime rate of 24.3 per 1,000, including a notable burglary rate, highlights the importance of effective home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. To truly protect your property, a proactive approach is necessary. scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at the property boundary in real-time. This is especially relevant given that burglary is a major concern in the town, particularly at night and in the afternoon. scOS can detect unknown individuals on your property and autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes intruders to move on before they can cause any damage. By choosing a system that prevents rather than just records, you can significantly enhance the security of your home in Ilkley.