Lepton Crime Rate

Lepton maintains a safe environment with an overall crime rate of 77.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that sits comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7. This is further supported by a safety score of 83/100, indicating that the area is more secure than many comparable urban settlements. Recent data shows a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 7.2% year-over-year. While the area does face specific challenges—particularly a high rate of shoplifting and night-time vehicle crime—the general statistical outlook for residents is one of relative safety. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of Lepton's crime statistics to help you understand local patterns and how to stay protected.

Crime in Lepton

The crime landscape in Lepton is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 29.2% of all reports, and shoplifting, which follows closely at 26.2%. Anti-social behaviour is the third most common issue, accounting for 12.1% of the total. The high prevalence of shoplifting is a notable characteristic of the area, indicating a significant impact on local commercial enterprises.

Property crime in Lepton is a substantial concern, with a rate of 38.0 per 1,000 residents. This is noticeably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. This category includes vehicle crime (7.0%), other theft (6.3%), and burglary (3.3%). The relatively high rate of vehicle crime, particularly at night, suggests that car owners need to be especially cautious. While the burglary rate is lower than the national average, the overall volume of theft-related offences—including the high shoplifting figures—means that both residents and business owners must prioritise secure environments. The data suggests that Lepton faces more challenges regarding property and commercial theft than many of its more rural neighbours in Kirklees.

Crime Trends in Lepton

Lepton is experiencing a general decline in criminal activity, with total crime falling by 7.2% over the last year. This downward trend is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that local policing and safety initiatives are having a measurable impact.

However, the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows considerable volatility. The year began with relatively stable rates between 3.9 and 6.0 per 1,000 residents. However, June saw an uptick to 7.8, followed by a major spike in July 2025, where the rate reached 11.7. This summer peak was the highest point of the year. Following this, rates dipped in August and September before another significant rise to 8.6 in October. The year ended with a rate of 6.8 in November. These spikes suggest that while the long-term trend is decreasing, the area is prone to sudden increases in activity, particularly during the summer months and early autumn. Residents should remain particularly vigilant during these peak periods.

How To Keep Safe in Lepton

The most prevalent crime type in Lepton is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by shoplifting. While the area is generally safe, being mindful of personal security and commercial surroundings is recommended.

• Be Vigilant in Commercial Areas: Given the high rate of shoplifting (26.2% of total crime), shoppers and retail staff should stay alert to suspicious behaviour and ensure personal belongings are never left unattended in stores or cafes.
• Secure Vehicles at Night: With vehicle crime accounting for 54% of all night-time offences, always park in well-lit areas, use a steering lock, and ensure no valuables are visible through the windows.
• Safe Evening Travel: When walking at night, stick to familiar, well-lit routes. If you are a regular commuter, consider varying your routine and staying aware of your surroundings, especially near transport stops.
• Enhance Home Perimeter Security: To deter both property and personal crimes, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting and that all gates or side entrances are securely locked.
• Community Reporting: Support local safety by reporting anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the Kirklees police. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious offences.

Crime in Lepton follows a very specific hourly cycle. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 43% and 51% of crimes in those periods respectively. This is largely driven by the high shoplifting rate in the area's commercial zones. During these daylight hours, burglary also peaks at 19% in the afternoon, targeting homes while residents are likely out.

As night falls, the nature of crime shifts dramatically. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the overwhelming concern, representing 54% of all reported incidents. This is a significantly higher concentration than at any other time of day. While theft drops to just 8% during the night, the risk to property—specifically cars parked on streets or driveways—reaches its zenith. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a more varied mix, with "other" crimes like anti-social behaviour and public order offences rising to 36%, alongside a continued risk of vehicle crime (26%). These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is commercial, night-time crime is focused on residential property.

Lepton's crime rate of 77.4 per 1,000 people makes it the most active area for crime among its immediate neighbours. Nearby Kirkburton (44.1) and Kirkheaton (58.3) both report significantly lower rates, while Shelley is notably quieter at 23.1 per 1,000. Grange Moor stands out as a unique exception with a reported crime rate of 0.0. For those comparing areas in this part of Kirklees, Lepton offers a more urbanised profile with more commercial activity, which contributes to its higher statistics, particularly in the shoplifting category. Despite this, it remains a safer alternative to the UK average and provides a secure residential setting compared to larger metropolitan centres.

Property protection in Lepton requires a strategic approach, especially given that the property crime rate of 38.0 per 1,000 residents exceeds the national average. With shoplifting and vehicle crime being prominent issues, traditional reactive security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV cameras or video doorbells are designed to record events, meaning you only receive footage of a crime after your property has already been violated.

For real security, Lepton residents should consider a proactive system like scOS. This AI-powered operating system transforms your cameras into an active defence network. Instead of just recording, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the boundary of your property in real-time. If an unauthorised person approaches your vehicle at night—the peak time for vehicle crime in Lepton—scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like floodlights and audible warnings. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise and typically causes intruders to move on before any damage is done. By focusing on prevention rather than just evidence gathering, scOS provides the high-level security necessary to counter local property crime trends effectively.