Otley (Leeds) Crime Rate

Otley, a historic market town within the Leeds local authority, has an overall crime rate of 63.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in an excellent safety score of 84/100. The area is currently seeing a positive trend, with a 7.5% decrease in total crime year-over-year. The property crime rate in Otley is 21.8 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.3. This highlights that Otley is a very safe residential area, and its safety profile is improving over time. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and timing to help you stay informed about the safety landscape in the area.

Crime in Otley (Leeds)

Otley experiences a crime rate that is significantly below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent, making up 40.3% of all reports. Public order offences are also significant, with a rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 6.3 per 1,000. For residents, the property crime rate is a notable 21.8 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (5.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.9 per 1,000), and various thefts. Property-related offences collectively form a significant part of the local crime landscape, although they are well below the UK average of 32.3. This means that while personal safety is a primary concern, the risk to homes and vehicles is also present. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of burglary and criminal damage, which together account for over 14% of total crime. Robust security measures are recommended to protect properties in this urban settlement.

Otley is currently experiencing a decreasing crime trend, with total incidents falling by 7.5% over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate peaked in July 2025 at 7.2 per 1,000 people. The safest month was December 2024, recording a rate of 3.8 per 1,000. Throughout the year, the rate showed a general downward trajectory, particularly during the autumn months. This decreasing trend is a very positive sign for the local community, indicating that Otley is becoming even safer over time. The steady decline in monthly rates suggests that local safety initiatives and policing are having a tangible impact on reducing crime volume across the town.

How To Keep Safe in Otley (Leeds)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Otley, representing 40.3% of the total. To stay safe in the town, consider these localized tips:

1. When walking in the town centre or near the park after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid quieter residential cut-throughs.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines or shopping in busy retail areas, keeping your personal belongings secure.
3. If you are enjoying the local nightlife, plan your return journey in advance and stay with friends where possible.
4. Ensure your home and vehicle are always locked, even if you are only away for a short period, as opportunists can be active in residential areas.
5. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and share safety information with your community.

Crime timing in Otley shows distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft (34-35%) as the town's retail areas are at their busiest. Burglary risk is also highest in the afternoon at 38%. Evening hours see a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour (39%), while burglary remains a high risk at 33%. However, the most significant pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where burglary surges to account for 36% of all reported incidents, and vehicle crime accounts for 34%. This suggests that while overall crime volume is lower in the early hours, properties and vehicles are at their highest relative risk during this time. Residents are advised to be particularly vigilant about property and vehicle security overnight and during the mid-afternoon.

Otley's crime rate of 63.4 per 1,000 places it as a safe area compared to its neighbours. It is safer than Guiseley (77.3) and Yeadon (114.4), but busier than the nearby residential settlements of Menston (43.3) and Burley in Wharfedale (35.2). These comparisons show that Otley, as a larger urban and commercial centre, naturally experiences more frequent incidents than its smaller neighbours. However, it remains a preferred location for those seeking a secure environment within the Leeds area, offering a balance between town amenities and a generally safe community.

With a property crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people, Otley residents enjoy a safer environment than many other urban areas. However, property protection is still important to maintain this high level of safety. 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 residential town like Otley, 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 remain concerns in the area. By choosing a professional-grade system like scOS, you ensure that your security actively stops threats rather than just recording them.