Dewsbury Crime Rate

Dewsbury currently has an overall crime rate of 133.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6. The town holds a safety score of 66/100, placing it below the national average safety benchmark of 79/100. However, the recent trend in Dewsbury is positive, with crime decreasing by 5.9% year-over-year. This indicates that while crime levels are currently elevated, they are on a downward trajectory. The following data provides a detailed analysis of crime types, time patterns, and regional comparisons for Dewsbury to help residents and visitors understand the local safety environment.

In Dewsbury, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crime, accounting for 46.9% of all incidents, with a rate of 62.4 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences (9.2%) and anti-social behaviour (9.0%) are the next most common types, reflecting a high level of social-related crime in the urban centre.

Property crime is a major concern for the local community, with an overall rate of 35.6 per 1,000 people. This include criminal damage and arson (7.0%), other theft (5.4%), and shoplifting (5.1%). Vehicle crime accounts for 4.0% of total crimes, while burglary makes up 3.3%. For homeowners and residents, these statistics highlight the need for comprehensive security. The combined rate of theft and criminal damage suggests that properties, whether residential or commercial, are frequently targeted for opportunistic crimes. Ensuring that homes are well-protected and vehicles are secured is essential in this high-activity urban environment.

Crime in Dewsbury is currently on a downward trend, with a year-over-year decrease of 5.9%. This reduction is a positive sign for the community, indicating that overall reported incidents are falling. Monthly data from 2025 shows a fluctuating but generally improving picture. The year began with a crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 in January, dipping to 8.9 in February.

Rates rose significantly during the spring and summer, peaking at 13.4 in July, which was the highest point of the year. However, following this peak, crime rates began a steady decline through the autumn and winter months, falling to 9.9 in November and reaching the year's lowest point of 9.0 in December. This downward trajectory towards the end of the year suggests that local crime prevention measures may be having an effect. For residents, this trend provides some reassurance that the town is moving in a safer direction.

How To Keep Safe in Dewsbury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Dewsbury, making up 46.9% of all reports. To stay safe in the town, it is important to maintain a high level of situational awareness, particularly in the town centre and around transport hubs. Stick to well-populated, well-lit routes when walking, and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or unlit parks.

When out in the evening, try to travel with others and plan your route home in advance. Use only licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services. If you feel uncomfortable or followed, head towards a busy public place like a shop or a well-lit pub.

Keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight to avoid opportunistic theft. In busy shopping areas, be mindful of your wallet or phone. For residents, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can provide valuable updates on local safety issues and help foster a more secure community environment. Staying informed about local crime patterns is a proactive step in ensuring your personal safety.

Analysis of crime timings in Dewsbury reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak period for theft-related offences, which account for 47% of crimes during these hours, likely linked to the town's retail activity. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) follow a similar trend, with theft making up 44% of reported incidents.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts, with "other" offences—including public order and anti-social behaviour—rising to 51%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant change in property crime; vehicle crime peaks at 37% of all night-time reports, and burglary reaches its highest frequency at 19%. This suggests that while theft is a daytime concern in commercial areas, residential and vehicle security are most under threat during the late-night and early-morning hours. Residents should ensure that vehicles are parked securely and home alarms are set before retiring for the night.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Dewsbury has the highest crime rate in the area. At 133.1 crimes per 1,000 people, it is notably higher than Batley (109.0) and Heckmondwike (99.2). It is also significantly more active in terms of reported crime than the nearby towns of Ossett (76.7) and Mirfield (80.1). For those looking at the region, Dewsbury serves as a major urban centre, which often correlates with higher crime figures. While its neighbours offer lower statistical risks, Dewsbury's ongoing decrease in crime suggests it is working towards closing this gap. Understanding these local variations is crucial for anyone living in or considering moving to the Kirklees area.

In Dewsbury, where the property crime rate is 35.6 per 1,000 people, standard security measures often fall short. Most homeowners rely on reactive systems like Ring or Nest, which provide notifications only after someone is at the door or has already broken in. In a high-activity urban environment, these systems offer little more than footage of your property being violated.

To truly protect your home in Dewsbury, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property. It doesn't just record; it acts. Through autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lights and audio warnings—scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals depend on. For Dewsbury residents, this professional-grade protection means that your home is no longer an easy target, effectively deterring opportunistic burglars and vehicle thieves before they can cause any damage.