Meltham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Meltham

Meltham, with a population of 9,128, reports an overall crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is lower than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively lower incidence of crime across the UK. The area achieves an excellent safety score of 82 out of 100, which is above the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent activity, Meltham has experienced a stable crime trend, showing a minor decrease of 4.6% year-over-year. This stability suggests that while crime levels are consistent, there has been a slight positive shift in the past year, offering a very encouraging picture of safety for residents.

Crime Breakdown in Meltham

An analysis of crime types in Meltham reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 304 incidents, or 33.3 per 1,000 residents, representing 48.6% of all crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour with 78 reported crimes (8.6 per 1,000), and public order offences with 62 incidents (6.8 per 1,000). These three categories collectively form a significant portion of the area's criminal activity.

Property-related crime, a key concern for residents and homeowners, combines several categories including burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, other theft, and shoplifting. In Meltham, the property crime rate stands at 16.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This suggests that residents may face a comparatively very low risk regarding crimes directly impacting their homes and possessions. Specific figures show 38 burglaries (4.2 per 1000) and 19 vehicle crimes (2.1 per 1000), highlighting areas where vigilance remains important for local residents, despite the low overall rate.

Crime Trends in Meltham

Meltham has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 4.6% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent, albeit gently declining, level of criminal activity. Examining the monthly trend data provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 6.7 in October 2024 and generally remaining within a similar range, with a dip to 4.1 in December 2024. There was a rise in crime rates during May and July 2025, reaching 7.1 and 6.6 per 1,000 respectively, before stabilising towards the end of the period. Despite these minor monthly variations, the overall year-on-year stability and low crime figures suggest a consistently safe environment in Meltham.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Meltham

Crime patterns in Meltham show distinct variations throughout the day, influenced by the rhythms of community life. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 40% of crimes, alongside burglary at 21% and vehicle crime at 13%, likely coinciding with the start of daily activities. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees an increase in burglary to 33%, and theft remains high at 41%, reflecting peak daytime activity when properties might be unattended. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime landscape shifts; other crime types become the most frequent at 40%, while burglary remains significant at 30%. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 30% and burglary at 35%, indicating that properties are more vulnerable when residents are typically asleep and streets are quieter. These patterns highlight the importance of tailored vigilance depending on the time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering Meltham's crime statistics, comparing them to nearby areas provides valuable regional context. Meltham, as an urban settlement within Kirklees, has an overall crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. Nearby Netherton (Kirklees), Linthwaite and Slaithwaite, Upperthong, and Holmbridge offer a diverse comparison. These areas are generally smaller or more rural, and thus might share Meltham's characteristic of lower crime rates compared to larger urban centres. Linthwaite and Slaithwaite, a slightly larger settlement, might have a comparable crime profile. Understanding these local variations helps residents contextualise Meltham's excellent safety score of 82/100 and provides a clearer picture of regional safety.

Protecting Your Property in Meltham

Given Meltham's property crime rate of 16.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average, residents benefit from a relatively low risk environment. However, proactive home security remains a wise consideration. Traditional security systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than proactively. If you are seeking real protection, consider systems designed to prevent crime before it happens. AI-powered home security operating systems, such as scOS, offer a different approach by detecting threats at your property boundary, not just at the point of entry.

These advanced systems leverage multi-camera intelligence to monitor all areas simultaneously, identifying potential intruders without human error. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. The goal is to deter criminals within their crucial 60-second decision-making window. With autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS aims to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars move on. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, moving beyond simply recording a crime to actively preventing it.