Wakefield Crime Rate

Wakefield recorded an overall crime rate of 123.1 per 1,000 residents between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a safety score of 69/100, which is below the national average of 79/100. Despite these figures, the recent trend is positive, with a 4.9% decrease in total crime year-over-year. As a major urban and industrial hub in West Yorkshire, Wakefield's crime profile reflects the challenges of a busy regional centre, with property crime and public order offences being key areas of concern. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics to help residents and visitors understand the current safety landscape in the Wakefield district.

About Wakefield

Wakefield is a large local authority area in West Yorkshire that encompasses the city of Wakefield alongside several smaller towns and rural villages. Its crime statistics are influenced by its position as a major transport and logistics hub, with the M1 and M62 motorways providing high connectivity. This infrastructure supports a significant industrial and commercial base, which can contribute to higher rates of property crime and transient activity.

The city centre of Wakefield, with its retail developments and active nightlife, is a focal point for anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Additionally, the area has a mix of established residential communities and newer developments, creating a varied demographic profile. Economic factors, including the legacy of the coal mining industry and current shifts towards service-based employment, also play a role in the local crime landscape. The presence of large-scale distribution centres and major employers means that there is a constant flow of people and goods through the area, which can influence the prevalence of vehicle crime and theft. Understanding these geographic and economic factors helps provide context for Wakefield's safety score and overall crime rate.

Crime in Wakefield

The most significant crime type in Wakefield is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for a substantial 43.9% of all reported incidents (19,861 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 10.1% (4,591 crimes), followed by public order offences at 8.3% (3,764 crimes). These figures highlight that interpersonal and social conduct issues are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Wakefield occurs at a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes 2,356 vehicle crimes, 1,683 burglaries, and 3,264 shoplifting offences. Other property-related offences such as criminal damage and arson (3,024), other theft (2,854), and robbery (406) also contribute to the local risk profile. For residents, this means that property security is a vital consideration. The relatively high rate of vehicle crime and burglary suggests that opportunistic theft is a persistent issue, making it essential for homeowners to invest in robust security measures to protect their vehicles and residences from intrusion and theft.

Crime Trends in Wakefield

The crime trend in Wakefield is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.9%. This reduction in total offences is an encouraging sign, suggesting that local policing and community safety initiatives are having a positive impact on the district's overall crime volume.

Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a fairly consistent pattern with some seasonal variations. The year began with crime rates between 8.9 and 9.7 per 1,000, rising through the spring. A peak was reached in July 2025, with the rate hitting 11.3 per 1,000 residents. Following this, the rate saw a gradual decline, ending the year at 9.2 in November. This peak in the summer months is a common trend in many areas, often linked to increased outdoor activity. For Wakefield residents, the overall 4.9% decrease provides reassurance that the area is moving in a safer direction, although the consistent monthly rates highlight the importance of maintaining regular security habits throughout the year.

Wakefield is situated in a region with diverse safety profiles. In this data set, neighbouring areas such as Barnsley, Leeds, Kirklees, Doncaster, Sheffield, and Rotherham all show a reported crime rate of 0.0. While these zero-rated figures may be due to specific data boundaries or reporting methods, they contrast sharply with Wakefield's 123.1 per 1,000. This highlights Wakefield's position as a focal point for reported incidents in the immediate area. For those living or working in the region, Wakefield offers extensive urban amenities but requires a higher level of personal and property security awareness compared to its more suburban or rural neighbours, making proactive home protection a sensible choice for its residents.

With a property crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000 people, Wakefield residents face a significant risk of theft and burglary. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are reactive—they notify you or record footage only after an incident has already occurred. In a high-activity urban and industrial area like Wakefield, proactive protection is a much more effective strategy for safeguarding your home.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent boundary detection, it can identify potential threats at the edge of your property. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly spot suspicious cars, while autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audio alerts—can deter a burglar in the critical seconds before they attempt a break-in. For Wakefield homeowners, shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention with a system like scOS provides a superior level of security, ensuring your property is a hard target that opportunistic criminals will avoid.

How To Keep Safe in Wakefield

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Wakefield, accounting for 43.9% of all reported incidents. While many of these are not random occurrences, maintaining a high level of personal safety awareness is important, particularly in the city centre and around nightlife zones.

When walking in Wakefield city centre or other town centres late at night, try to stay in well-lit areas with high footfall. Travel in groups where possible and use licensed taxis or public transport to get home. Let someone know your plans and expected arrival time. Carrying a personal alarm can also provide an extra layer of reassurance for those who frequently travel alone.

Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also prominent. If you encounter disruptive behaviour, it is best to avoid confrontation and report the incident to the local authorities. In residential areas, participating in a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help you stay informed about local safety issues. For vehicle owners, the relatively high rate of vehicle crime means you should always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items, even small ones, on display. In busy shopping areas, be mindful of your personal belongings to prevent opportunistic theft.