Castleford Crime Rate

Castleford is an urban settlement with a crime rate of 147.0 per 1,000 people, which stands above the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 64/100, indicating a moderate level of security compared to the national average of 79/100. Encouragingly, the latest data shows that crime is decreasing, with a 6.1% reduction year-over-year. This downward trend suggests that Castleford is becoming safer, although the volume of reported incidents remains a factor for residents to consider. The following analysis breaks down these figures to provide a clearer picture of the local safety landscape and how it compares to the wider region.

In Castleford, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 40.5% of all reports (59.6 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are the next most significant categories, at 10.1% and 8.4% respectively. Property crime in Castleford—covering burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—presents a rate of 53.4 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime is a particular concern here, accounting for 7.4% of all incidents. For homeowners, the combination of high property crime and significant vehicle theft rates necessitates a comprehensive approach to domestic security and vehicle protection.

Castleford is currently experiencing a decreasing crime trend, with total incidents falling by 6.1% year-over-year. The monthly data reveals that crime rates were lowest in January (10.2) and February (10.5), with a significant peak occurring in July (14.0) and October (13.8). The general trajectory over the 12-month period suggests a gradual improvement, despite some seasonal spikes. For residents, this trend is a reassuring sign that the local safety environment is heading in the right direction, although the relatively high crime rates in the autumn months indicate that certain times of year still require heightened awareness.

How To Keep Safe in Castleford

Violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of crime in Castleford, accounting for over 40% of reports. To stay safe, it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways. Since shoplifting and other thefts are also common, keep your personal belongings secure in public spaces and be wary of opportunistic pickpockets in busy retail areas. For your home, ensure that all entry points are well-maintained and locked, even when you are inside. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting can also deter anti-social behaviour around your property. Being proactive about both personal and home security is key to maintaining safety in Castleford.

Crime in Castleford exhibits clear time-based trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the predominant issue, accounting for roughly 50% of crimes, which aligns with peak retail hours. As the day progresses, the focus shifts; in the evening, 'other' crimes—including public order and anti-social behaviour—make up 39% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to 49% of all recorded offences. This suggests that while daytime risks are largely retail-oriented, the night-time poses a significant threat to vehicles left on the street or in driveways, requiring residents to be particularly vigilant about car security after dark.

In the context of its neighbours, Castleford's crime rate of 147.0 per 1,000 people is higher than Pontefract (124.9) and Holmfield (133.2). It is significantly more active than Methley, which has a much lower rate of 47.5, and the rural village of Fairburn, which recorded 0.0 crimes. This positioning shows Castleford as one of the more active urban hubs in the Wakefield area. For those looking for a quieter environment, nearby Methley offers a more suburban profile, while Castleford remains a bustling centre with the higher crime activity typical of such locations.

With a property crime rate of 53.4 per 1,000 in Castleford, homeowners face a higher-than-average risk of theft and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, often fall short because they are reactive; they only record a crime once it is already in progress. In Castleford, where vehicle crime is also a significant concern, proactive protection is a necessity. scOS provides an AI-driven security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it intervenes. By identifying threats and triggering autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers, scOS can deter a criminal before they even touch your property. For Castleford residents, this means moving from a system that documents a loss to one that actively prevents it, providing true peace of mind in a busy urban setting.