Thornton (Bradford) Crime Rate

Thornton (Bradford) currently holds a safety score of 73/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate stands at 105.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it above the national average of 91.7. Despite these figures, the crime trend in Thornton is stable, with only a 1.0% change recorded year-over-year. This suggests a consistent environment, though one with higher-than-average activity in certain categories. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion of local crime, followed by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. Understanding these patterns is key for residents looking to maintain their safety and protect their property in this historic Bradford suburb.

Thornton (Bradford) experiences a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 41.1% of the total reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime are the next most frequent, at 10.4% and 10.0% respectively. Together, these categories represent the primary safety concerns for the local population.

Property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, is a significant factor in Thornton, with a rate of 36.9 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime is particularly notable, occurring at a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people. This suggests that while Thornton is generally residential, it faces higher-than-average challenges regarding the security of vehicles and homes.

For residents and homeowners, this means that protecting assets is a daily necessity. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences points toward a need for personal awareness, while the property crime statistics indicate that standard home and vehicle security may not be enough to deter opportunistic or targeted criminal activity in the area.

The crime trend in Thornton (Bradford) is currently stable, with a negligible 1.0% change over the last 12 months. This stability indicates that while the crime rate is higher than the UK average, it is not experiencing a volatile increase. Monthly data shows that the rate fluctuates between a low of 6.6 per 1,000 in December 2024 and January 2025, and a peak of 11.4 in August 2025.

The summer months, particularly July (10.3) and August (11.4), saw the highest levels of activity, which is a common seasonal pattern in many urban areas. The rate then settled back toward the end of the year, finishing at 10.0 in November 2025. This stable trend suggests that the current safety measures in place are maintaining the status quo, but the elevated summer rates highlight periods where residents should be extra vigilant. Understanding these monthly cycles allows for better preparation and more effective use of security resources throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Thornton (Bradford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Thornton, representing over 41% of all reported incidents. Personal safety and situational awareness are therefore paramount for residents and visitors.

1. Plan Your Routes: When walking through the area, especially at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated paths or unlit parks.
2. Vehicle Security: Given the high rate of vehicle crime, always ensure your car is locked, valuables are removed from sight, and consider using a steering lock as an extra deterrent.
3. Home Awareness: Keep your home secure by locking doors even when you are inside. Use smart security to monitor your perimeter and be cautious when answering the door to strangers.
4. Community Vigilance: Participate in local community groups or neighbourhood watch schemes. Sharing information about suspicious activity can help the whole community stay ahead of potential issues.
5. Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a personal safety app that can alert friends or family to your location if you feel unsafe while out in the village.

Crime in Thornton follows specific temporal patterns that residents should note. Vehicle crime is heavily concentrated in the late-night and early-morning hours. Between midnight and 6am, it accounts for a significant 49% of all reported incidents, making it the dominant threat during the night.

During the daylight hours, the profile changes. Burglary peaks in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm), making up 32% of crimes in that period, likely targeting homes while residents are at work. Theft-related offences are also most common during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 26% and 30% of crimes respectively. In the evening (6pm to midnight), the "Other" category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order, rises to 42%. This suggests that property and vehicle protection should be a priority at night, while home security and personal awareness are more critical during the day and evening.

Thornton's crime rate of 105.2 per 1,000 people places it in a middle ground compared to its neighbours. It is considerably safer than Denholme, which has a high rate of 130.1. However, it experiences more crime than nearby Queensbury (84.9) and Cullingworth (81.0). Most notably, it has more than double the crime rate of Wilsden, which sits at a much lower 46.8 per 1,000. This regional context shows that while Thornton is more urbanised and active than some of its rural neighbours, it remains more secure than the higher-density areas nearby. For residents, this highlights the importance of localised safety awareness within the Bradford district.

With a property crime rate of 36.9 per 1,000 residents, Thornton homeowners face a higher risk than the UK average. Vehicle crime and burglary are persistent issues that require more than just reactive security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma.

scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary. In an area like Thornton, where vehicle crime peaks at 49% during the night, scOS’s ability to monitor all cameras simultaneously and verify vehicle plates is invaluable. The system doesn't just record; it intervenes autonomously by activating lights and speakers to deter intruders. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS ensures that your home and vehicles are protected before a crime can take place, offering peace of mind in an area with elevated property crime statistics.