Leek Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Leek

Leek, a built-up area within Staffordshire Moorlands, records an annual crime rate of 98.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, resulting in a safety score of 76 out of 100, which is marginally below the national average of 78/100. The latest data indicates a stable trend in crime, with a minimal 3.8% increase year-over-year. This overview provides a foundational understanding of the crime landscape in Leek, paving the way for a deeper dive into specific crime types, temporal patterns, and local comparisons.

Crime Breakdown in Leek

In Leek, Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 44.2% of all incidents, at a rate of 43.7 per 1,000 people. Following this, Anti-social behaviour represents 16.2% of crimes (16.1 per 1,000), and Shoplifting makes up 12.2% (12.1 per 1,000), highlighting these as the primary concerns within the area.

When examining property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, other theft, and robbery, Leek reports a combined rate of 27.7 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment for property. Specific rates include burglary at 1.8 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.1 per 1,000, and other theft at 4.8 per 1,000. These statistics indicate that while overall crime is slightly higher than the national average, property crime remains below it, offering some reassurance to residents and homeowners, though preventative measures are always advised.

Crime Trends in Leek

Leek has experienced a stable trend in its crime rate, with a year-over-year increase of 3.8%. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. From October 2024, the crime rate was 8.5 per 1,000, gradually decreasing to a low of 6.4 per 1,000 in February 2025. Following this, there was a steady rise, reaching 8.5 per 1,000 in May 2025. A notable peak occurred in July 2025, with the rate climbing to 10.0 per 1,000, before settling around 8.8-9.0 per 1,000 in August and September. This pattern suggests seasonal variations, with higher activity in the summer months, but an overall trend that has remained relatively stable over the 12-month period.

Time Patterns of Crime in Leek

Crime patterns in Leek demonstrate distinct fluctuations throughout the day, influenced by various activities. Morning hours (6am-12pm) show a significant presence of theft, accounting for 46% of crimes, alongside other offences at 40%, and some burglary at 8%. This period often coincides with the start of daily routines and commercial operations. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) experiences the highest proportion of theft at 49%, with burglary also peaking at 13%, likely linked to busy shopping hours and properties being unattended.

As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts, with 'other' crimes dominating at 63%, which typically includes anti-social behaviour and violence. Theft remains present at 20%, while burglary and vehicle crime are less frequent. During the night (12am-6am), 'other' crimes continue to be prominent at 54%, but there is a notable increase in burglary to 18% and vehicle crime to 17%, as residential areas become quieter and properties more vulnerable.

Crime in Nearby Areas

Comparing Leek to its surrounding built-up areas provides valuable local context. Neighbouring areas such as Birchall, Leekbrook, Longsdon, and Rudyard are likely to share some similar characteristics given their proximity within Staffordshire Moorlands. While specific crime rates for these areas are not provided, it is common for smaller, more rural settlements like Birchall and Rudyard to experience lower overall crime rates compared to a larger market town like Leek. Leekbrook and Longsdon, being closer in size and activity to parts of Leek, might show more comparable crime patterns. Understanding these local dynamics helps residents appreciate Leek's position within the immediate regional safety landscape, informing decisions for those considering moving to or within the area.

Protecting Your Home in Leek

With a property crime rate of 27.7 per 1,000, which is below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, Leek residents can benefit from targeted home security. Traditional security systems often fall short by merely recording incidents, providing footage of your burglary rather than preventing it. For true peace of mind, consider proactive security solutions.

scOS offers an advanced, AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Unlike basic DIY cameras that only notify you after a breach, scOS detects threats at your property boundary in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a detail, and can even verify vehicles instantly using DVLA data. By learning your routines, scOS differentiates between family and genuine threats, destroying the element of surprise with autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers. Most burglars make their decision within 60 seconds; a professional-grade system like scOS provides visible deterrence, making them move on and preventing crime effectively.