Featherstone Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2024, Featherstone (Wakefield) recorded a crime rate of 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 31.1% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This rate translates to a daily risk of encountering crime that is 4 times higher than the national average, though the local context suggests a nuanced picture. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 49.6% of all incidents — a rate of 4.8 per 1,000, 85% above the UK average. This may partly explain the overall rate, given the area's character as a built-up town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days — likely contributes to the pattern, as outdoor crimes typically decline while indoor or social disputes may increase. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, was 29% below the UK average, suggesting that community policing efforts or local initiatives may be having some effect. Other theft and shoplifting also showed above-average rates, linked to the town's retail presence. These figures illustrate how local geography and seasonal rhythms shape crime patterns, even as they remain distinct from national trends.

January 2024 saw a dramatic 500% increase in 'other crime' reports, rising from 1 to 6 incidents — a category that may include unclassified or emerging types of offences. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 80%, with reports jumping from 5 to 9, potentially reflecting seasonal factors such as post-holiday social dynamics. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 40%, aligning with the shorter days and reduced retail footfall typical of January. The rate of violence and sexual offences (4.8 per 1,000) was 85% above the UK average, a stark contrast to anti-social behaviour, which was 29% below the national rate. These shifts suggest a combination of local conditions and broader trends, with no single factor clearly explaining the data.

Featherstone's crime rate in January 2024 rose to 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% increase from the previous month's 9.3 per 1,000. This means that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents — a figure that translates to a 1-in-103 chance of encountering crime if you live in the area. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 4 crimes reported each day, a localised metric that highlights the frequency of incidents without UK-wide comparison. While the population of 12,098 residents means individual risk is spread across a community, the rate remains higher than the UK average. The rise in violence and sexual offences — 85% above the UK average — suggests a need for targeted local measures. These figures offer a concrete perspective for residents assessing their personal risk profile.