Ilkley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly half of all reported crimes in January 2026, stood at 1.5 per 1,000 residents—46.9% of the total—significantly lower than the area’s overall crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores Ilkley’s position as a safer built-up area within Bradford, recording a crime rate 52.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. The data reveals a crime profile shaped by seasonal factors, with January’s shorter days and post-holiday lull likely contributing to the subdued levels of outdoor crimes typically associated with higher footfall. Shoplifting, the second most common category, mirrored the UK average at 0.6 per 1,000, while vehicle crime, at 0.3 per 1,000, remained 19% below the national rate. These figures reflect a community where local characteristics—such as Ilkley’s market town identity and proximity to natural landscapes—may temper the usual drivers of property crime. The balance between violent and property offences (23 vs 22) further suggests that Ilkley’s crime dynamics differ from urban centres, where property crimes often dominate. Seasonal context, including reduced retail activity and colder weather, likely played a role in this equilibrium, though local initiatives or demographics may also contribute. This pattern of lower-than-average crime, particularly in violent and property categories, positions Ilkley as an outlier in the UK’s broader crime profile.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+400%, from 1 to 5), robbery (+100%, from 1 to 2), and drugs (+100%, from 0 to 1), reflecting potential shifts in local activity or enforcement. Conversely, public order offences fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), anti-social behaviour dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and burglary decreased by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), suggesting improved community engagement or seasonal factors. The crime mix remains balanced between property (22 crimes) and violent (23 crimes) offences, a contrast to the UK average where property crimes dominate. Shoplifting in Ilkley matched the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, despite being the second most common crime locally. This equilibrium highlights the area’s unique profile, where retail-focused crimes are neither high nor low compared to the national context.

Ilkley's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 3.2 per 1,000 residents, a 20.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.1. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of January, marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall, which may contribute to lower outdoor crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate. When scaled to the population of 15,192, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 310 residents. This statistic offers a tangible perspective for residents: over the course of the month, the likelihood of encountering a crime was significantly lower than the UK average, which stood at 6.8 per 1,000. The population-scaled context further underscores Ilkley’s position as a safer area compared to the national trend, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour, where rates were 89% below the UK average. These figures collectively illustrate a consistent pattern of lower crime incidence in Ilkley, shaped by both local characteristics and seasonal factors.