Kirklees Crime Rate

Kirklees is a major local authority in West Yorkshire with a safety score of 75/100, placing it just below the UK average of 79/100. The district's overall crime rate is 99.7 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the national average of 91.7. Despite these figures, the area has seen a stable trend with a 3.4% decrease in total crime year-over-year, indicating a positive direction for local safety. Kirklees presents a varied safety profile, where high-density urban centres influence the statistics more heavily than its quieter, rural outskirts. This data overview provides a comprehensive look at the crime types and trends affecting the region, helping residents and businesses better understand their local environment.

Kirklees is a diverse local authority in West Yorkshire, encompassing major urban centres like Huddersfield and Dewsbury, alongside picturesque Pennine towns and rural villages. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its mix of high-density urban environments and quieter suburban belts. Huddersfield, as a large university town and commercial hub, naturally attracts a higher volume of footfall and transient population, which can contribute to higher crime rates in the town centre. Similarly, Dewsbury's industrial heritage and position as a transport link influence its local data.

Economic factors play a significant role across the district, with areas of deprivation often correlating with higher levels of reported anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The presence of a vibrant nightlife in the larger towns also impacts the figures for violence and sexual offences, which are frequently associated with evening economy activities. Conversely, the more affluent rural fringes of Kirklees tend to pull the overall crime rate down, though they can be targets for organised property crime due to their perceived wealth. This blend of urban challenges and rural safety creates the complex statistical profile seen in the Kirklees local authority data.

Crime Breakdown in Kirklees

In Kirklees, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 44.6% of all reported crime, with a rate of 44.4 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.2% and public order offences at 9.0%. These three categories represent the majority of police activity in the district, often concentrated in the more densely populated urban areas.

Property-related crime in Kirklees—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—carries a combined rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that Kirklees performs relatively well in protecting homes and belongings compared to other similar metropolitan districts. Specifically, burglary accounts for 4.3% of total crime, while vehicle crime stands at 4.8%. Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly to the local data, making up 6.8% of reports. For residents, this breakdown highlights that while street-level issues like anti-social behaviour are common, the risk of serious property loss is slightly below the national trend, though still a primary concern for homeowners.

The crime trend in Kirklees is currently classified as stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.4%. This suggests that despite the challenges inherent in a large metropolitan area, crime levels are not only being managed but are gradually declining. A look at the monthly data for the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period reveals a relatively consistent pattern with some seasonal variation.

The year began with rates around 7.6 to 7.7 per 1,000 in December and January, dipping to a low of 6.9 in February. There was a notable increase in the spring and summer months, peaking at 9.1 in June and 8.9 in May. This summer rise is common in many UK districts as increased outdoor activity can lead to more reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The latter half of the year saw a steady decline, returning to 8.0 by November. For Kirklees residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that while vigilance is always required, the area is not experiencing a sudden surge in criminal activity.

Kirklees, with its crime rate of 99.7 per 1,000, serves as a central hub in West Yorkshire. When comparing it to surrounding authorities like Calderdale, Barnsley, Oldham, Bradford, Wakefield, and Rochdale, Kirklees often appears to have a higher rate; however, it is important to note that many of these areas have reported zero or incomplete data for this period, which can skew regional comparisons. In a broader context, Kirklees faces the standard challenges of a large metropolitan borough with significant urban populations. Its property crime rate remains competitive, often performing better than other major Northern hubs. For those considering the region, Kirklees offers a mix of vibrant urban living and safe, high-performing suburban areas that balance the overall statistical profile.

In a large district like Kirklees, property crime (at a rate of 29.1 per 1,000) remains a primary concern for homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic burglar alarms and standard CCTV, are often reactive—they alert you or record the event only after someone has already breached your home. In many cases, this results in high-quality footage of a crime but fails to prevent the loss or the emotional impact on the family.

Proactive protection via scOS AI-powered security changes this dynamic. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify threats before they reach your front door. The system’s ability to distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, and even verify vehicles via DVLA data, allows for an autonomous response. Whether it’s activating deterrent lighting or engaging speakers, scOS aims to stop the crime before it happens. For Kirklees residents, especially those in areas with higher footfall, moving to an intelligent system that prioritises prevention over mere recording is the most effective way to secure a property.

How To Keep Safe in Kirklees

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type across the Kirklees local authority, personal safety and community awareness are paramount. While much of this data is influenced by town centre nightlife and domestic reports, the following tips provide a broad framework for safety across the district:

• Plan Your Travel: When visiting urban centres like Huddersfield or Dewsbury in the evening, plan your route and use licensed taxis or well-lit public transport hubs.
• Enhance Home Perimeter Security: Given the rate of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that gates or fences are in good repair to discourage trespassing.
• Be Mindful in Crowded Areas: In busy shopping districts where 'other theft' and shoplifting are more common, keep personal belongings secure and be wary of distractions.
• Join a Local Watch Scheme: Kirklees has many active Neighbourhood Watch groups. Engaging with these can provide localized intelligence and a stronger community deterrent against property crime.
• Vehicle Vigilance: To counter the vehicle crime rate, always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items—even low-value ones—in plain sight.