Ackworth Moor Top Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ackworth Moor Top’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 21.1% below the UK average of 7.1. This position, while positive, masks a combination of the area’s built-up character and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 53.3% of all incidents, a share that exceeds the UK average for this category by 20%. This may be partly explained by the area’s proximity to Wakefield, where higher population density and commuter flows could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Property crimes, though lower overall, showed mixed trends: shoplifting declined 26% below the UK average, reflecting reduced retail activity during the winter months, while criminal damage and arson surged sharply. The area’s low population density and limited commercial infrastructure—typical of smaller built-up areas—likely play a role in moderating overall crime rates compared to urban counterparts. Seasonal factors, such as February’s pre-spring lull with low outdoor activity, may have influenced the crime mix, though the exact relationship between weather patterns and specific offences requires further analysis. The dominance of violent crimes suggests a need for targeted community initiatives, while the relative safety in property-related offences highlights the effectiveness of local prevention strategies.

February 2024 witnessed a sharp 400% increase in criminal damage and arson, jumping from 1 to 5 incidents, a surge that may reflect seasonal factors such as colder weather prompting more indoor activity or targeted property damage. Concurrently, other crime and burglary both doubled from January, suggesting potential shifts in criminal focus toward less visible or opportunistic offences. Violent crimes, which made up 53.3% of total incidents, remained 20% above the UK average for this category, a disparity that could be attributed to the area’s built-up nature and proximity to larger urban centres. Shoplifting saw a 26% decline below the UK average, linked to reduced foot traffic during February’s pre-spring lull. Residents may find the 33.3% decrease in public order offences (from 3 to 2) a positive sign, though this drop may be influenced by shorter winter evenings and limited public spaces for gatherings.

February 2024 saw a 32.4% increase in Ackworth Moor Top’s crime rate compared to January, rising from 4.2 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. While this marks a shift upward, the area remains 21.1% below the UK average, a position that reflects broader regional trends in rural and semi-rural built-up areas. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over 29 days, a figure that aligns with the area’s low population density and limited commercial activity. On a monthly scale, 1 in 180 residents experienced a reported crime, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure compared to urban centres but highlights the impact of specific incidents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the rise, Ackworth Moor Top’s crime profile remains distinct from larger cities, where higher population density often correlates with more frequent but less severe incidents. This contrast is consistent with the area’s character as a smaller built-up area within Wakefield, where community cohesion may mitigate some risks but cannot fully counteract isolated spikes in specific crime types.