Morley (Leeds) Crime Rate

Morley, a busy town within the Leeds local authority, has an overall crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 68/100. Despite being a high-activity urban centre, the crime trend is currently stable, with a 1.5% decrease year-over-year. The property crime rate in Morley is particularly high at 56.0 per 1,000, well above the national average of 32.3. This highlights that while Morley is a vibrant town, residents and businesses face typical urban safety challenges. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and timing to help you stay informed about the local safety environment.

Crime in Morley (Leeds)

Morley experiences a crime rate that is significantly above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent, making up 37.6% of all reports. Shoplifting is also very high, with a rate of 25.2 per 1,000 residents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.9 per 1,000. For residents, the property crime rate is a notable 56.0 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (6.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (4.7 per 1,000), and various thefts. Property-related offences collectively form a major part of the local crime landscape, well exceeding the UK average of 32.3. This means that while personal safety is a primary concern, the risk to homes and vehicles is also substantial. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of burglary and theft, which together account for a large portion of total crime. Robust security measures are recommended to protect properties in this high-activity urban settlement.

Morley is currently experiencing a stable crime trend, with total incidents falling by 1.5% over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate peaked in September 2025 at 13.2 per 1,000 people. The safest month was January 2025, recording a rate of 8.7 per 1,000. Throughout the year, the rate remained fairly consistent, hovering between 10.0 and 13.0 for much of the period. This sustained stability is a positive sign for the local community, indicating that while crime remains a factor, it is not currently on the rise. The consistent monthly rates suggest that safety initiatives in the town are helping to maintain a steady environment.

How To Keep Safe in Morley (Leeds)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Morley, representing 37.6% of the total. To stay safe in the town, consider these localized tips:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the town centre or near the railway station, particularly late at night.
2. Stick to well-lit, busy routes when walking after dark, and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or parks.
3. If you are out for the evening, plan your journey home in advance and use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps.
4. Keep personal belongings, such as smartphones and wallets, secure and out of sight to avoid attracting opportunistic attention in crowded areas.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or concerns to the local police immediately to help improve neighbourhood safety for everyone across the town.

Crime timing in Morley shows distinct patterns linked to urban activity. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft and shoplifting (46-48%) as the town's commercial areas are at their busiest. Burglary risk is also highest at night (26%) and in the afternoon (22%). Evening hours see a shift towards 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour (48%). However, the most significant pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 32% of all reported incidents, and burglary remains a high risk at 26%. This suggests that while overall crime volume is lower in the early hours, vehicles and properties are at their highest relative risk during this time. Residents are advised to be particularly vigilant about vehicle security overnight and property security during the mid-afternoon.

Morley's crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 reflects its status as a primary urban hub in the region. Compared to nearby settlements, it is busier than Gildersome (97.2), East Ardsley (80.4), Batley (109.7), and Drighlington (101.2). These comparisons show that Morley, as a larger urban and commercial centre, naturally experiences more frequent incidents than its smaller neighbours. However, it remains an integral part of the Leeds area, offering significant amenities and social activity. For those looking at the wider West Yorkshire region, Morley represents a high concentration of crime typical for its size and urban density.

With a property crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000 people, Morley residents face a substantial risk of burglary and theft. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime as it happens or notify you once an intruder has already entered your property. In a high-activity urban environment like Morley, proactive protection is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your home's perimeter and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers to scare off potential intruders. This proactive approach is particularly vital for preventing burglary and vehicle crime, which are key concerns in the town. By choosing a professional-grade system like scOS, you ensure that your security actively stops threats rather than just recording them.