Thornton-le-Dale Crime Rate

Thornton-le-Dale is a highly secure urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an impressive safety score of 93/100. The local safety environment is stable, with a minor -4.1% change in reported crime over the past year. Property crime in Thornton-le-Dale is particularly low at 10.4 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.9. These statistics define Thornton-le-Dale as one of the safer communities in the Ryedale district, offering a peaceful and secure environment for its 1,737 residents, although burglary remains a persistent, albeit low-volume, local concern.

Crime Breakdown in Thornton-le-Dale

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Thornton-le-Dale, representing 40.4% of all reports at a rate of 10.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.1% and other theft at 14.9%. These figures suggest that while the village is exceptionally safe, interpersonal issues and minor public nuisance are the main drivers of the local crime data.

The combined property crime rate in Thornton-le-Dale is 10.4 per 1,000 people, which is less than one-third of the UK national average of 32.9. This category includes other theft, burglary (10.6%), and vehicle crime (4.3%). For residents, the relatively high percentage of burglary compared to other property crimes is worth noting, especially as it peaks during the night-time hours. While the overall risk is very low, the presence of burglary and theft in the top categories means that homeowners should maintain consistent security habits to protect their property and belongings.

Crime Trends in Thornton-le-Dale

Thornton-le-Dale has maintained a stable safety profile over the last 12 months, with a minor -4.1% decrease in the overall crime rate. Monthly data shows that the rate fluctuated between 0.6 and 3.5 per 1,000 residents throughout 2024 and 2025. The highest peaks were recorded in April and August 2025, both reaching 3.5 incidents per 1,000 people.

In contrast, the crime rate reached its lowest point in May 2025, with just 0.6 incidents per 1,000. More recently, the rate has stabilised between 1.2 and 2.9. This lack of a significant upward or downward trend is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that Thornton-le-Dale remains a consistently secure place to live. Residents should remain aware of minor spikes during the spring and summer months, which may be linked to increased visitor numbers in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Thornton-le-Dale

The highest crime type in Thornton-le-Dale is violence and sexual offences, though property crimes like burglary and theft are also significant. The following tips can help you stay safe.

1. Prioritise Night-time Security: With burglary accounting for 43% of night-time crime, ensure all ground-floor windows and doors are securely locked and consider installing internal motion sensors.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: While rare, vehicle crime peaks at night. Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables in sight, especially if parked on the street.
3. Be Aware of Daytime Theft: Theft is most common in the morning and afternoon. Don't leave valuables in plain sight through windows, and ensure side gates are always locked.
4. Community Vigilance: Join the Thornton-le-Dale neighbourhood watch or local social media groups to stay informed about any suspicious activity or vehicles reported in the Ryedale area.
5. Install Proactive AI Security: Systems like scOS provide the best defence against Thornton-le-Dale's top property crimes by detecting and deterring intruders at the property line before they can cause damage.

Crime Timing in Thornton-le-Dale

Crime in Thornton-le-Dale shows a clear temporal shift between daytime theft and night-time burglary. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 55% and 53% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when properties are unattended or during normal business and tourist hours.

As evening approaches, the risk of burglary increases significantly. Burglary accounts for 37% of evening crimes (6pm - 12am) and rises to a peak of 43% during the night (12am - 6am). Vehicle crime also sees its highest relative frequency at night, making up 27% of incidents. This data indicates that while the village is very safe during the day, residential property and vehicle security are most vulnerable under the cover of darkness, requiring robust overnight protection.

Thornton-le-Dale is located in a very safe part of North Yorkshire. Compared to its larger neighbour Pickering, which has a crime rate of 86.7 per 1,000, Thornton-le-Dale is significantly more secure. It is more active than the nearby hamlets of Middleton, Kirby Misperton, and Ebberston, all of which report a 0.0 crime rate. This is typical for a village that serves as a local hub and tourist destination. For those seeking a balance between village life and high security, Thornton-le-Dale offers an excellent safety profile relative to both the regional and national context.

In Thornton-le-Dale, where the property crime rate is exceptionally low but burglary still accounts for over 10% of total crime, maintaining a secure home is about deterrence. Traditional CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has occurred. This is of limited use in preventing the emotional and financial impact of a break-in.

True protection comes from a proactive approach. An AI-powered operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it begins. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between a local resident and a potential intruder, only alerting you to real threats. Most importantly, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings if an intruder is detected. In a village like Thornton-le-Dale, where burglary peaks at 43% during the night, a system that stops a break-in before it starts is the only way to truly ensure your property remains part of the area's positive safety statistics.