Craven Crime Rate

Craven is an exceptionally safe district with an overall crime rate of 59.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in a high safety score of 87/100, indicating a secure environment for its residents. The crime trend in Craven is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 0.2%. This consistency suggests that the district remains a low-risk area, with criminal activity well-contained. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported issues, property crime rates are also well below the national average. For those living in or visiting Craven, these statistics provide strong reassurance of the area's ongoing safety and community stability.

About Craven

Craven is a predominantly rural district in North Yorkshire, encompassing a large portion of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The area is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, historic market towns like Skipton, and a series of picturesque villages. These features make it a major tourism destination, which significantly influences the local crime statistics. During peak holiday seasons, the influx of visitors can lead to an increase in opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour in popular tourist spots.

The district's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and small-scale local businesses. Its population is generally older and more settled than the national average, contributing to a stable community environment. However, the proximity to larger urban centres in West Yorkshire and East Lancashire means that Craven can occasionally experience "cross-border" crime, such as vehicle theft or rural burglary. The high safety score and stable crime trend reflect a well-managed district where community ties are strong. These factors combine to make Craven one of the safer regions in the North of England, with a crime profile that is largely driven by public order issues and interpersonal offences rather than systemic violent crime.

Crime in Craven

The crime profile of Craven is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.4% of all reported incidents (999 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.0% and criminal damage and arson at 7.1%. The high percentage of anti-social behaviour is a notable feature of the district, often linked to the high volume of visitors and the nightlife in the larger market towns.

Property crime in Craven—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 17.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, making the district a relatively safe place for property owners. Within this category, other theft and burglary each account for 7.0% of total crime, with burglary occurring at a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson (7.1%) and vehicle crime (3.9%) are also present. For residents, these statistics suggest that while the overall risk is low, protecting homes and vehicles from opportunistic theft remains important. The equal rates of burglary and other theft indicate that both residential and non-residential properties are occasional targets, making comprehensive security measures a wise investment for local homeowners.

Crime Trends in Craven

The crime trend in Craven is currently classified as stable, with a negligible year-over-year decrease of only 0.2%. This suggests that the district is maintaining its high safety standards with remarkable consistency. According to the monthly trendData, the crime rate fluctuated between a low of 4.3 per 1,000 in February 2025 and a peak of 5.7 in May 2025.

The peak in May likely corresponds with the start of the busier tourism season and improved weather, which often brings an increase in opportunistic activity. Following this peak, the rate remained relatively steady, ending the period at 4.8 in October 2025. This pattern of minor seasonal variation within a low overall baseline is typical for a rural district. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, showing that Craven remains a consistently safe environment with no significant upward trends in criminal activity.

Craven stands as a unique administrative district in North Yorkshire, known for its vast rural landscapes and high safety standards. With a crime rate of 59.2 per 1,000 residents, it is a statistically secure haven when compared to the national UK average of 93.1. While it sits near larger urban centres in West Yorkshire and Lancashire, its own crime profile remains distinctively low-risk. In the regional context, Craven’s stability and high safety score of 87/100 make it a preferred location for those seeking a peaceful residential environment, offering a level of security that is increasingly rare in more urbanised neighbouring counties.

Protecting Your Property in Craven

With a property crime rate of 17.9 per 1,000 residents, Craven is one of the safer districts in the country, yet property protection remains a priority for many. Burglary and other theft each account for 7.0% of local crime, indicating that both homes and non-residential properties are occasional targets. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive; they only provide evidence after a crime has occurred. In a rural district like Craven, where police response times to remote areas can be longer, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system offers a superior alternative by using AI to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your camera feeds simultaneously, scOS identifies potential threats at the property boundary. If an unauthorised person enters your grounds, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to scare them off. This "first line of defence" approach is particularly valuable for rural homes and outbuildings. By choosing scOS, you are investing in a professional-grade system that doesn't just record a burglary—it actively works to ensure your property is never breached, providing the ultimate peace of mind in this quiet district.

How To Keep Safe in Craven

The most common crime in Craven is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 34.4% of all reports. Personal safety, particularly in public spaces and during peak tourism seasons, is a key consideration for the community.

To maintain your safety in Craven, consider the following advice:

• When visiting popular tourist spots or market towns like Skipton, stay mindful of your personal belongings to avoid opportunistic theft.
• Stick to well-lit, busy routes when walking at night, and try to travel with others whenever possible.
• With anti-social behaviour making up 25.0% of local crime, report any recurring issues to the local authorities to help them target their patrols effectively.
• Ensure your property is well-lit and that any side gates or outbuildings are securely locked to deter opportunistic criminal damage, which accounts for 7.1% of local reports.
• For those living in more isolated rural areas, consider joining a local farm watch or neighbourhood watch scheme to stay informed about suspicious activity in the region.