Scarcroft Crime Rate

Scarcroft is a highly secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an excellent safety score of 89/100. The crime trend in Scarcroft is currently stable, with a minor 5.0% decrease over the last 12 months, indicating a consistently safe environment for its residents. While violence and sexual offences are the most common report type, the area has a notable property crime profile, particularly regarding burglary and criminal damage. Scarcroft's property crime rate is 17.4 per 1,000, which is well below the national average. This data highlights Scarcroft as a very safe community, though property security remains a relevant consideration for homeowners. The following sections provide a detailed look at local crime types and temporal patterns.

In Scarcroft, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 42.1% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by both burglary and criminal damage and arson at 14.0% each. These figures highlight that while personal safety is a key focus, property-related crime is a significant concern for the community.

The overall property crime rate in Scarcroft is 17.4 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 32.3. This total includes burglary (14.0%), criminal damage and arson (14.0%), other theft (8.8%), and vehicle crime (1.8%). For residents, the data suggests that burglary and criminal damage are the most prominent property risks. Homeowners should be aware that these property crimes combined make up over a third of all local crime, making robust home security and vigilance against vandalism important for maintaining the area's high safety standards. Ensuring that properties are well-protected can help deter the opportunistic criminals who occasionally target this affluent residential area.

Scarcroft is currently benefiting from a stable crime trend, with a minor 5.0% decrease in total crime over the last 12 months. The monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates have remained consistently low, with most months recording between 0.8 and 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. The highest rates were observed in January and July, both at 5.5 per 1,000.

The lowest rate was recorded in April and November, both at just 0.8 per 1,000. This stability suggests that Scarcroft is maintaining its reputation as a safe and secure area. For residents, this consistent performance is reassuring and indicates that local safety measures are effective. While the monthly fluctuations show some periods of higher activity, particularly in the summer, the overall annual trend is one of sustained safety. Monitoring these minor monthly shifts can help the community stay proactive in their safety efforts and maintain the high standards of security that Scarcroft is known for.

How To Keep Safe in Scarcroft

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Scarcroft, accounting for 42.1% of all reports. While the village is generally very safe, it is always wise to take practical steps to ensure personal and property security.

To stay safe in Scarcroft, consider these suggestions:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in areas that are less well-lit during the evening and night.
• Ensure that your home's exterior is well-illuminated with motion-sensor lighting, which can act as a natural deterrent to unwanted visitors.
• Given that burglary and criminal damage are notable concerns, always ensure that doors and windows are securely locked, even when you are at home.
• If you are going away for a few days, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property and use timer switches for your internal lights.
• Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and to share safety tips with your community.
• Keep high-value items out of sight from windows to avoid attracting the attention of opportunistic thieves.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the police immediately to help them monitor and respond to local trends.

The timing of crime in Scarcroft reveals some important trends for residents to consider. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences and burglary are more common, with burglary accounting for 45% of incidents between 12pm and 6pm. This suggests that burglars are active during the day when properties may be unoccupied.

As evening approaches, burglary remains a high risk at 41%, but we also see an increase in "other" crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 43% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly significant for burglary, which rises to 52% of all offences. This indicates that while the overall number of crimes is low, the early hours of the morning are when homes are most at risk from burglars. Understanding these patterns allows residents to ensure their security measures are most robust when the risk is highest, particularly by securing their homes before the night-time peak. Morning hours see a mix of property crimes as the village begins its daily activity.

Scarcroft is part of a very safe cluster of villages in the north-east of Leeds. When compared to its neighbours, Scarcroft's crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 is very similar to Scholes (45.7) and slightly higher than Thorner (40.4) and Shadwell (36.5). It is notably higher than Bardsey, which is one of the safest areas in the region at 24.6 per 1,000. Nearby East Keswick recorded a rate of 34.4. Overall, Scarcroft offers a very high standard of safety that is consistent with the surrounding rural-urban fringe, making it a highly desirable and secure location for residents.

In an affluent and safe area like Scarcroft, where property crime is 17.4 per 1,000, residents should consider the benefits of proactive security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In a village where burglary and criminal damage together account for nearly 30% of all incidents, preventing the crime from happening in the first place is the most effective approach.

scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that is designed to prevent crime. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify potential threats at the property boundary. It uses autonomous responses, such as activating lights and audio warnings, to deter intruders before they can attempt a break-in or cause damage. This proactive protection destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. For Scarcroft residents, scOS provides a level of security that goes beyond simple recording, ensuring that their homes are actively defended 24/7. This proactive approach is the best way to maintain the high safety standards of the Scarcroft community.