Meltham Crime Rate

Meltham presents a reassuring safety profile with an overall crime rate of 65.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This low frequency of incidents is reflected in its safety score of 83/100, placing it well above the national average of 79. Furthermore, the area is experiencing a positive shift in security, with a decreasing crime trend of 8.1% year-over-year. While certain crime types remain more prevalent than others, the general statistical context suggests that Meltham is one of the safer urban settlements within the Kirklees local authority. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

Crime in Meltham

Meltham's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.9% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 29.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (13.0%) and public order offences (9.2%). These three categories represent the primary safety concerns for the local community.

Property crime in Meltham, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 18.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Specifically, burglary represents 6.8% of total crime, while vehicle crime stands at 4.2%. While these figures suggest a relatively secure environment for homeowners compared to national benchmarks, the combined impact of criminal damage, arson, and theft still necessitates a vigilant approach to property security. For residents, this means that while the risk of violent crime is statistically higher, maintaining robust physical and technological defences remains a prudent measure for protecting homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Meltham

Meltham is currently seeing a positive downward trend in criminal activity. The overall crime rate has decreased by 8.1% compared to the previous 12-month period. This reduction is a significant indicator of improving safety within the community.

A closer look at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some fluctuations. The year began with a relatively low rate of 4.1 in December, followed by a sharp rise to 6.8 in January 2025. Crime rates remained somewhat volatile throughout the spring and summer, peaking at 7.1 in May and reaching 6.6 in July. However, the latter half of the year showed a general cooling off, with rates dropping to 4.5 in October before a slight rise to 5.3 in November. This pattern suggests that while seasonal spikes occur—particularly in late spring—the long-term trajectory is one of decline. For residents, this trend offers reassurance that local efforts to curb crime are yielding results, though the mid-year spikes highlight the need for continued vigilance during the warmer months.

How To Keep Safe in Meltham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Meltham, accounting for nearly 45% of total incidents. While many of these may be private or targeted, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is always recommended.

• Stay Aware in Quiet Areas: When walking alone, especially during the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated footpaths or wooded areas.
• Utilise Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a mobile safety app that allows trusted contacts to track your journey or provides a quick way to alert emergency services if you feel threatened.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or individual makes you feel uncomfortable, move towards a public place like a shop or pub where there are other people present.
• Report Concerns Early: If you witness suspicious behaviour or feel that anti-social behaviour is escalating in a particular area, report it to the local Kirklees police to help them allocate patrols effectively.
• Home Security for Personal Safety: Ensure your home's entry points are secure, as a robust home perimeter not only protects property but also ensures the personal safety of those inside.

Crime in Meltham exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 38% of crime in that period. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft remains high at 39%, but burglary also becomes a significant factor, representing 32% of incidents. This suggests that residential properties are being targeted during daylight hours when occupants may be at work.

The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a shift, with "other" crimes—often including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—peaking at 44%. However, the most critical period for property security is the night (12am - 6am). During these early hours, burglary reaches its highest intensity at 34% of the period's crime, and vehicle crime also peaks at 29%. These statistics highlight that while the town is generally quiet at night, the risk to unattended property and vehicles is at its highest, necessitating robust overnight security measures.

When considering the wider Kirklees region, Meltham occupies a favourable position. Its crime rate of 65.6 per 1,000 people makes it safer than several neighbouring settlements, including Linthwaite and Slaithwaite (71.0) and Holmbridge (72.4). However, it does experience more reported crime than Netherton, which sits at 56.0 per 1,000. For those seeking the absolute lowest crime figures in the immediate vicinity, Upperthong represents a unique outlier with a reported crime rate of 0.0. Overall, Meltham provides a secure environment that compares well with similar urban areas in the region, offering a lower crime risk than the busier corridors of the local authority while maintaining the amenities of a built-up area.

Protecting your property in Meltham requires a shift from reactive to proactive security. While the property crime rate is relatively low at 18.6 per 1,000 residents, the fact that burglary and vehicle crime still occur—particularly during the night and afternoon—highlights the need for effective deterrence. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, often serve only to record a crime after it has happened. This reactive approach provides footage for the police but does little to prevent the initial intrusion.

In contrast, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered solution designed to stop crime before it occurs. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent boundary detection, scOS can identify a potential intruder the moment they step onto your property. Instead of just sending a notification to your phone while you are busy or asleep, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lighting and audio warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that most opportunistic criminals rely on. For Meltham homeowners, investing in autonomous protection means your security is working 24/7 to ensure that threats are neutralised at the perimeter.