Castleford Crime Rate

The urban area of Castleford has an overall crime rate of 145.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6. The area currently holds a safety score of 64/100, reflecting its status as a busy industrial and retail centre. However, the most recent data shows a positive trend, with crime rates decreasing by 6.8% year-over-year. This indicates that while Castleford remains a higher-activity area for police reports than the national average, the overall situation is gradually improving. The following data provides a detailed look at crime types, timing, and local safety context for the Castleford built-up area.

Castleford's crime statistics are primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 2,743 recorded crimes, or 40.2% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 10.4%, followed by 'other theft' at 8.5%. For homeowners and residents, property crime is a major factor in the area, with a rate of 52.6 per 1,000 people—significantly higher than the UK average of 32.2.

The property crime landscape in Castleford is varied. Shoplifting is a notable concern at 8.4%, while vehicle crime is particularly high for the region, accounting for 7.2% of all crimes with 491 incidents. Criminal damage and arson make up 6.1%, and burglary represents 4.1% of the total recorded offences. The elevated property crime rate suggests that residents are at a higher risk of theft-related offences than in many other parts of the country. This is especially true for vehicle owners, as vehicle crime is more prevalent here than in many neighbouring towns. Robust home and vehicle security is therefore highly recommended for those living in the Castleford urban area.

The crime trend in Castleford is currently on a downward trajectory, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.8%. Monthly analysis for 2025 shows that the year began with a crime rate of 10.2 per 1,000 in January, rising to a peak of 14.0 in July. This summer peak is common in urban areas and often coincides with school holidays and warmer weather.

Following the July peak, the crime rate showed a general decline, despite a secondary peak in October at 13.8. The year ended with a significant drop, reaching its lowest point of 10.2 per 1,000 in December. This suggests that while there are seasonal spikes, the overall effort to manage crime in the town is seeing success. For residents, the consistent reduction towards the end of the year is a positive indicator for the local safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Castleford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in the Castleford urban area, accounting for 40.2% of all reports. When navigating the town centre, particularly during the evening, it is essential to stay in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid walking alone in isolated spots and try to plan your route so you remain on main thoroughfares where possible.

Anti-social behaviour is also a persistent issue (10.4%), so being aware of your surroundings and avoiding groups that may be causing a disturbance is a practical safety measure. For property owners, the exceptionally high rate of vehicle crime at night (51% of night-time offences) means that securing your car in a garage or behind locked gates is highly recommended. If parking on the street, ensure no valuables are left on display and consider using additional security like steering locks. Additionally, because burglaries are also frequent during the afternoon and night, reinforcing your home's entry points and using smart security systems that provide real-time alerts can significantly enhance your peace of mind and overall safety.

In Castleford, crime patterns show a distinct shift throughout the 24-hour cycle. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 48% of crime in this period. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft reaches its peak at 54% of all recorded incidents, likely reflecting the high volume of retail and commercial activity in the town.

As evening falls (6pm-12am), the crime profile changes significantly. While theft drops to 22%, vehicle crime rises to 23% and 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, increase to 40%. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which surges to 51% of all recorded offences. Burglary also remains a consistent risk during the night (17%). This data highlights that while commercial areas are most at risk during the day, vehicle owners and residential properties become the primary targets under the cover of darkness.

Castleford's urban crime rate of 145.5 per 1,000 is higher than many of its immediate neighbours. Nearby Pontefract reports a lower rate of 125.5, while Methley is significantly lower at 44.1. Holmfield is more comparable at 138.8, but rural Fairburn reports no recorded crimes in this period. This comparison shows that Castleford is one of the more active urban hubs in the region, likely due to its role as a major centre for retail and commerce, which naturally attracts higher levels of recorded incidents than the surrounding smaller settlements.

With a property crime rate of 52.6 per 1,000 people, residents in Castleford face a significant risk of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive, capturing footage only after a crime has been committed. In an area with elevated property crime, proactive protection is far more effective for homeowners.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats before they escalate. It can identify suspicious loitering or unauthorised vehicles and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or audio deterrents. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to move on before even attempting a break-in. For Castleford residents, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade solution that actively works to keep your home and family safe from the local property crime challenges.