Otley Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2024, Otley (Leeds) recorded 85 crimes across a population of 12,624, equating to a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents—18.3% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a 16.4% increase from July's 5.8 per 1,000, remains in line with the area's historical trend of maintaining a lower-than-average crime profile. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.4% of all incidents (36 cases), a category that sits 8% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 17.7% (15 cases), and public order offences made up 9.4% (8 cases), both below the UK averages for their respective categories. August, as a peak holiday month, may have influenced these patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres potentially contributing to both anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, though the latter remained 44% below the UK average. The seasonal context of August—characterised by tourism, school holidays, and the likelihood of more empty homes—may have also played a role in shaping the crime profile, though the overall rate remains stable compared to other months in the year. The balance between violent and property crimes was skewed toward violence, with 36 violent incidents versus 23 property crimes, a reflection of Otley's urban character within Leeds and the potential influence of local community dynamics on crime trends.

August 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, including a 100% rise in possession of weapons (from 1 to 2 incidents) and a 66.7% surge in shoplifting (from 3 to 5). Anti-social behaviour also rose by 66.7%, reaching 15 incidents, a significant jump from the previous month. These shifts highlight a potential imbalance in the crime mix, with violent crimes (36) accounting for 42.4% of all incidents—8% above the UK average for this category. Conversely, vehicle crime and other theft both fell by 66.7%, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced traffic or holiday-related disruptions. Shoplifting in Otley was 44% below the UK average, suggesting that local retail environments or community policing efforts may be effectively mitigating this type of crime. The rise in weapons possession, while small in absolute numbers, indicates a need for targeted interventions in specific areas.

Otley's crime rate in August 2024 rose 16.4% compared to July's 5.8 per 1,000, marking a noticeable upward trend. This increase, however, remains 18.3% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, suggesting the area still maintains a relatively safer profile nationally. On a daily basis, 3 crimes were reported in August, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 149 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while modest, reflects the impact of local dynamics such as holiday-related activity and seasonal shifts in community engagement. With a population of 12,624, the area's crime volume—85 total incidents—represents a manageable proportion of its residents, though the rise in specific categories like anti-social behaviour deserves closer attention. The contrast with the UK average underscores the importance of local policing strategies and community initiatives in maintaining this lower-than-average rate, even amid seasonal fluctuations.