Shelley (Kirklees) Crime Rate

Shelley (Kirklees) is characterized by its high level of safety, reflected in its impressive safety score of 94/100. The area maintains an overall crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6. This low rate is part of a positive downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 32.4% year-over-year. Such figures position Shelley as one of the safer urban settlements within the Kirklees local authority. The following data provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring in the area and when they are most likely to happen, offering residents and prospective homeowners a clear picture of the local safety landscape.

Crime in Shelley (Kirklees)

Shelley experiences a significantly lower crime rate than the national average, with the primary concerns being violence and sexual offences, which account for 53.6% of all recorded incidents (12.7 per 1,000). This is followed by public order offences (13.0%) and anti-social behaviour (10.1%). While these figures represent the most frequent types of crime, the actual volume of incidents remains very low.

Property-related crime in Shelley—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is remarkably low at 4.4 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime is the most prominent in this category, representing 7.2% of total crime. Burglary and other theft are exceptionally rare, each comprising only 1.4% of the area's total. For residents, this suggests that while standard precautions are necessary, the area remains one of the safer urban settlements in the region.

Shelley Crime Trends

The crime trend in Shelley is currently on a significant downward trajectory. Year-over-year, total recorded crime has decreased by 32.4%, a very positive indicator for local residents. Analysis of the monthly trend data from 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained consistently low throughout the year.

The lowest activity was recorded in April (0.7) and May (1.0). There were slight increases during the summer months, with June reaching a peak of 3.4 per 1,000, followed by a relatively stable autumn. The year ended with a slight rise in December to 3.1. These fluctuations are typical for a small population area where a handful of incidents can impact the monthly rate, but the overall trend remains firmly downward, suggesting that Shelley is becoming an even safer place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Shelley (Kirklees)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Shelley, accounting for over half of all incidents. While the overall numbers are low, personal safety remains a priority.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours when visibility is reduced.
2. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes and avoid isolated shortcuts through parks or unlit footpaths.
3. If you are out late, try to travel with others or inform a friend or family member of your expected arrival time.
4. Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can act as a powerful deterrent and attract attention if you feel threatened.
5. Trust your instincts; if a situation or location feels unsafe, leave immediately and head towards a public, well-lit area.

Crime in Shelley follows distinct temporal patterns, with different types of offences peaking at various times of the day. Vehicle crime is particularly prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 63% of incidents in that period, suggesting that thieves target parked cars under the cover of darkness. During the morning hours, vehicle crime and 'Other' offences remain the primary concerns, both at 39%.

As the day progresses into the afternoon, burglary reaches its peak at 15% of incidents, likely occurring while residents are at work. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a shift towards 'Other' offences (52%) and vehicle crime (34%). Overall, the data suggests that while Shelley is safe, the hours of darkness pose the highest risk for property and vehicle-related offences.

When comparing Shelley to its immediate neighbours, it stands out as one of the safest options in the Kirklees region. Its crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 is lower than Shepley (35.1) and Upper Cumberworth (28.1). It is significantly safer than Kirkburton, which records 42.7 crimes per 1,000, and Skelmanthorpe, which has a much higher rate of 63.7. This regional context highlights Shelley's status as a low-crime enclave, making it a highly desirable location for those prioritising safety and security within the local area.

With Shelley’s property crime rate sitting at a low 4.4 per 1,000, the focus for homeowners should be on maintaining this high standard of security through deterrence. Traditional security systems often serve as reactive tools, providing footage of an incident after it has occurred. In a low-crime area like Shelley, the goal is to prevent that first incident from happening.

scOS offers a proactive approach by using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike standard CCTV, scOS is designed to detect and respond to threats before a break-in occurs. The system can verify vehicles, recognise familiar routines, and activate autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings to deter intruders. By choosing a system that intervenes rather than just records, you ensure your home remains a difficult target, preserving the peace of mind that Shelley’s statistics suggest you should enjoy.