In November 2024, Castleford’s crime rate of 12.7 per 1,000 residents placed it 67.1% above the UK average, a figure that translates to a daily risk of encountering a crime for roughly one in every 79 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (40% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (10.4%) and other theft (8.7%). These figures reflect a pattern consistent with Castleford’s built-up area status, where high foot traffic and commercial activity may contribute to elevated rates of violent and property crimes. Seasonal factors, including the dark evenings of November and the commercial rush of Black Friday, likely exacerbated the surge in shoplifting and burglary. However, the dominance of violence and sexual offences—98% above the UK average—suggests deeper social or environmental factors at play, such as the area’s demographics or local infrastructure. The relatively low rate of theft from the person (0.3 per 1,000) contrasts with the high incidence of burglary, potentially indicating that crimes are more likely to occur in fixed locations rather than in public spaces. This dynamic aligns with the characteristics of a built-up area where homes and businesses may be more vulnerable to targeted attacks. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the disproportionate levels of violence and sexual offences, which remain significantly higher than national benchmarks. As November transitions into winter, the combination of reduced daylight and increased holiday activity may further influence crime patterns, though the exact mechanisms remain to be explored.