Gomersal and Birkenshaw Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2025, Gomersal and Birkenshaw recorded a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 35.2% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance, while modest in absolute terms, reflects a consistent pattern of lower-than-average crime levels in this built-up area within Kirklees. The top three crime categories were violence and sexual offences (32.9% of total), anti-social behaviour (15.1%), and burglary (11.0%), with the first two categories both below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.5 per 1,000, were 40% below the UK rate, while anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) was 29% below the national average. The seasonal context of January—characterised by shorter days, reduced retail activity, and a post-holiday period—likely contributed to the lower volume of crimes typically associated with outdoor spaces and commercial areas. However, the area’s crime profile also includes notable exceptions, such as burglary, which was 67% above the UK average. This divergence may be explained by local factors, including the built-up nature of the area and the presence of residential properties that could be more vulnerable to targeted crime. The overall picture suggests a combination of the area’s semi-rural character, its proximity to urban centres, and the seasonal rhythms that influence crime patterns. While the low overall rate indicates a generally safe environment, the specific categories that exceed the UK average highlight areas for further attention.

The most striking month-on-month change was the 100% increase in possession of weapons, with one incident reported in January after none in December. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local criminal activity. Burglary also doubled, rising from four to eight incidents, a change that may reflect seasonal factors or increased vulnerability during the post-holiday period. Anti-social behaviour saw a 57.1% increase, with 11 incidents reported compared to seven in December, potentially linked to reduced community oversight during colder weather. Conversely, public order offences fell by 45.5%, aligning with the seasonal context of shorter days and lower foot traffic in the area. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 17.2%, from 29 to 24 incidents, a decline that may be consistent with the reduced retail activity typical of January. Burglary in the area remains 67% above the UK average, a figure that contrasts with the overall low crime rate and suggests a need for targeted interventions in this category.

Gomersal and Birkenshaw's crime rate in January 2025 fell by 16.0% compared to December 2024, reflecting a continued downward trend in reported incidents. The daily crime count averaged two incidents per day over the month, a figure consistent with the area’s historically low levels of criminal activity. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 219 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively safe environment in this built-up area. While the population of 15,986 is modest, the crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, highlighting local factors that may contribute to this disparity. The shift in crime mix compared to previous months also warrants attention, particularly the rise in certain categories that diverge from national trends. These patterns suggest that local conditions—such as community engagement, policing strategies, or seasonal factors—play a role in shaping the area’s unique crime profile.