Skipton Crime Rate

Skipton is a safe and secure town with an overall crime rate of 78.9 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1. This performance earns the area a safety score of 83/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a marginal 1.9% decrease in reported offences over the last year. With a population of approximately 16,740, Skipton offers a stable environment for its residents. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type, the overall low volume of crime across all categories makes this town one of the safer urban settlements in the region. Understanding the local breakdown of crime is essential for maintaining this high standard of safety.

Crime in Skipton

In the urban settlement of Skipton, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.7% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a major factor, representing 28.9% of the total. For residents, the overall property crime rate is 22.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This indicates that Skipton is a relatively safe area for property. Within the property crime category, shoplifting (7.9%), burglary (5.3%), and other theft (4.7%) are the most frequent types. The data shows that while the risk of a break-in is low, residents should still be mindful of opportunistic theft, particularly in the town's commercial areas. Criminal damage and arson (6.1%) and vehicle crime (2.8%) are also factors to consider. For residents, the overall moderate crime rate across all property types provides reassurance, though maintaining proactive security remains important to deter opportunistic offences.

Crime Trends in Skipton

The crime trend in Skipton is currently stable, with a minor 1.9% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in October 2025 at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, with another notable high in March and July at 7.3. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 5.4. These figures show a relatively consistent pattern, with slight increases during the spring and autumn months. For the local community, this stable trend is a positive indicator that safety levels are being maintained. The consistency in the data suggests that while crime does occur, there are no sudden surges that would indicate a major shift in local security. Staying informed about these minor monthly fluctuations can help residents remain vigilant throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Skipton

The most prevalent crime in Skipton is violence and sexual offences. While the town is generally safe, being proactive about your personal safety is always recommended.

1. Stay Aware in Public: When walking through the town centre, especially during the afternoon and evening when activity is higher, stay alert to your surroundings and avoid using headphones.
2. Secure Your Property: With burglary peaking at night (32%), ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit and that all doors and windows are securely locked before retiring for the night.
3. Vehicle Vigilance: Vehicle crime accounts for 27% of night-time offences. Always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area, and consider using additional security like a steering lock.
4. Report Shoplifting and Theft: Shoplifting is a significant issue in the afternoon. If you witness suspicious activity in local shops, report it to staff or the police to help deter future incidents.
5. Use Safety Apps: Consider using a personal safety app on your phone that allows you to share your location with trusted contacts when you are out in the town at night.

Crime Patterns in Skipton

Analysis of the crime data for Skipton reveals distinct patterns based on the time of day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) and morning (6am-12pm) are peak periods for theft-related offences, which account for 42% and 41% of all crimes respectively. This is likely due to increased activity in the town's retail and commercial areas. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), the crime profile shifts, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 47% of the total.

The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for burglary and vehicle crime. Burglary peaks during this time, accounting for 32% of all night-time offences, while vehicle crime also sees its highest proportion at 27%. This highlights the vulnerability of properties and cars overnight when the town is quieter. Residents should be particularly vigilant about home security and vehicle protection during the late night and early morning hours, while remaining aware of opportunistic theft during the busy daytime periods.

In the local context, Skipton is the primary urban centre for the area. Compared to nearby Carleton-in-Craven, which has a much lower crime rate of 29.6 per 1,000, and Embsay (20.8), Skipton is significantly busier. It is also higher than Low Bradley (41.5) and Cononley (30.0). These figures suggest that Skipton is a more central hub for activity, which is reflected in its higher crime statistics. However, it remains a very safe choice when compared to larger UK towns and cities. Staying aware of these local comparisons can help residents understand the safety landscape of their broader region.

Protecting Your Property in Skipton

With a property crime rate of 22.2 per 1,000 residents and a stable crime trend, proactive home security is a vital consideration for the local community. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive. They record a crime as it happens or alert you after a breach has occurred. In Skipton, where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are common, a system that only records footage of the event is often too late to prevent loss or damage.

A superior alternative is a proactive system like scOS. This AI-powered home security operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. scOS identifies potential threats before they reach your home, allowing for autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers to deter an intruder immediately. This proactive stance destroys the element of surprise and can prevent a crime from ever taking place. For residents of Skipton, scOS provides the advanced protection needed to ensure their property is a hard target, offering peace of mind through prevention rather than just recording.