Local Area Crime Statistics

Wakefield Crime Rate

Crime is stable and HIGH in Wakefield

Wakefield's crime rate stands at 124.8 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 69/100, remaining stable year-over-year. Discover detailed crime statistics.

Overall Crime Rate

124.8
per 1,000 people
34% higher than UK avg

Property Crime Rate

39.0
per 1,000 people
17% higher than UK avg

Based on population of 367,666 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Wakefield

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Wakefield
Overall Crime Rate124.8 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate39 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score69 out of 100
Population367,666
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Wakefield
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences19,8695443%
Anti-social behaviour4,7851310%
Public order3,86110.58%
Shoplifting3,3449.17%
Criminal damage and arson3,0968.47%
Other theft2,9908.17%
Vehicle crime2,3396.45%
Burglary1,7174.74%
Other crime1,4223.93%
Drugs1,2403.43%
Robbery37511%
Possession of weapons36011%
Theft from the person2680.71%
Bicycle theft2010.60%

About Wakefield Crime Statistics

Wakefield, a significant local authority district, records an overall crime rate of 124.8 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure positions Wakefield with a safety score of 69 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78/100. For comparison, the national average crime rate stands at 93.4 per 1,000 people. The latest data indicates a stable trend in crime, with a slight decrease of 3.7% year-on-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of crime in Wakefield, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types, trends, and local context.

Wakefield Safety Score

69
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Wakefield's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Crime Rates Across Wakefield

Knottingley

212.8
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Wakefield

161.6
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Hemsworth

158.6
per 1,000
Very High Risk

South Elmsall

154.1
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Castleford

147.3
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Streethouse

141.7
per 1,000
Very High Risk

South Kirkby

140.5
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Holmfield

135.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Pontefract

126.7
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Featherstone (Wakefield)

122.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Fitzwilliam and Kinsley

120.3
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Bottom Boat

114.7
per 1,000
High Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

What Contributes to Crime Statistics in Wakefield

Wakefield Local Authority District encompasses a diverse landscape, from the urban centres of Wakefield city, Castleford, and Pontefract to more suburban and rural communities. This varied environment contributes significantly to the area's crime statistics. Urban hubs, with their higher population density, commercial activity, and transport links, tend to experience a greater incidence of certain crime types like anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and shoplifting. The presence of major employers and retail areas can attract both residents and transient populations, influencing theft rates. Conversely, more residential or rural areas might see different patterns, such as property-related crimes. Economic factors, including employment rates and deprivation levels, can also play a role in the overall crime picture, affecting crime types from violence to property offences across the district.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
19,869 incidents (54 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
4,785 incidents (13 per 1,000)
Public order
3,861 incidents (10.5 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
3,344 incidents (9.1 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
3,096 incidents (8.4 per 1,000)
Other theft
2,990 incidents (8.1 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
2,339 incidents (6.4 per 1,000)
Burglary
1,717 incidents (4.7 per 1,000)
Other crime
1,422 incidents (3.9 per 1,000)
Drugs
1,240 incidents (3.4 per 1,000)
Robbery
375 incidents (1 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
360 incidents (1 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
268 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
201 incidents (0.6 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 9.2% change(over 12 months)
Wakefield
UK Average

Compare Wakefield with similar populations

Wakefield has a 33.6% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Breakdown in Wakefield

Analysing the crime types in Wakefield reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 43.3% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 54.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 10.4% of crimes (13.0 per 1,000), and public order offences at 8.4% (10.5 per 1,000). Beyond these top categories, property-related crime is a significant concern for residents and homeowners. This broad category, with a rate of 39.0 per 1,000 people, includes burglary (4.7 per 1,000), shoplifting (9.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (8.4 per 1,000), other theft (8.1 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (6.4 per 1,000). Less frequent but still impactful are robbery (1.0 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.7 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.6 per 1,000). Understanding these figures allows residents to gauge the specific risks and consider appropriate protective measures for their homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in Wakefield

Over the past year, Wakefield has experienced a stable crime trend, with an overall decrease of 3.7% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, with a noticeable low in February 2025 at 8.9 per 1,000, and a peak in July 2025 at 11.3 per 1,000. Other months, such as October 2024 (10.9), March 2025 (10.9), and May 2025 (11.2), also saw elevated rates. This general stability, despite monthly variations, suggests that while crime levels are not rapidly escalating, consistent vigilance and preventative measures remain important for residents.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing crime statistics, Wakefield stands in context with its neighbouring areas. Leeds, a larger metropolitan area, typically experiences higher crime volumes due to its size and urban characteristics. Similarly, Barnsley, Kirklees, Doncaster, Sheffield, and Rotherham each present their own unique crime profiles influenced by their demographics and socio-economic factors. Wakefield's overall crime rate of 124.8 per 1,000 and property crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 can be benchmarked against these localities to provide a regional understanding. For instance, while some areas might have higher rates of specific offences, Wakefield's stable trend and safety score of 69/100 offer a comparative perspective for residents and those considering moving to the area.

Protecting Your Home in Wakefield

Given Wakefield's property crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 people, residents should consider proactive measures to protect their homes. Traditional security systems often record a burglary after it has happened, leaving you with footage but not preventing the intrusion. For real protection, consider moving beyond reactive recording to proactive deterrence. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers advanced prevention by detecting threats at the property boundary. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. Visible deterrence from professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds. Prioritising prevention over reaction is key to safeguarding your home and valuables in Wakefield.

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About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Wakefield

4,392+
UK Locations Monitored
19M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.uk — Recorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National Statistics — Demographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home Office — National offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI Requests — Supplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,392+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Greater Manchester locations are presently excluded due to data access limitations. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately bimonthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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