Skelmanthorpe Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Skelmanthorpe

Skelmanthorpe, with a population of 5,120, reports an overall crime rate of 60.8 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 85 out of 100, which is well above the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent activity, Skelmanthorpe has experienced a stable crime trend, showing a minor decrease of 1.6% 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 Skelmanthorpe

An analysis of crime types in Skelmanthorpe reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 131 incidents, or 25.6 per 1,000 residents, representing 42.1% of all crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour with 42 reported crimes (8.2 per 1,000), and public order offences with 30 incidents (5.9 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 Skelmanthorpe, the property crime rate stands at 16.4 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1000. This suggests that residents may face a comparatively very low risk regarding crimes directly impacting their homes and possessions. Specific figures show 24 burglaries (4.7 per 1,000) and 20 vehicle crimes (3.9 per 1,000), highlighting areas where vigilance remains important for local residents, despite the low overall rate.

Crime Trends in Skelmanthorpe

Skelmanthorpe has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 1.6% 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 5.5 in October 2024, with a notable dip to 2.3 in December 2024. There was a rise in crime rates during June and August 2025, reaching 7.6 and 7.2 per 1,000 respectively, before decreasing again 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 Skelmanthorpe.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Skelmanthorpe

Crime patterns in Skelmanthorpe show distinct variations throughout the day, influenced by the rhythms of community life. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), burglary is prominent, accounting for 26% of crimes, alongside theft at 23% and vehicle crime at 22%, likely coinciding with the start of daily activities. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees an increase in burglary to 43%, and theft at 24%, 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 38%, while burglary remains significant at 34%. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 40% and burglary at 34%, 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 Skelmanthorpe's crime statistics, comparing them to nearby areas provides valuable regional context. Skelmanthorpe, as an urban settlement within Kirklees, has an overall crime rate of 60.8 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. Nearby Denby Dale, Clayton West and Scissett, Emley, and Upper Cumberworth offer a diverse comparison. These areas are generally smaller or more rural, and thus might share Skelmanthorpe's characteristic of lower overall crime rates. Clayton West and Scissett, being a similar size, might have a comparable crime profile. Understanding these local variations helps residents contextualise Skelmanthorpe's excellent safety score of 85/100 and provides a clearer picture of regional safety.

Protecting Your Property in Skelmanthorpe

Given Skelmanthorpe's property crime rate of 16.4 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.