Featherstone (Wakefield) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a resident of Featherstone (Wakefield), the crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 translates to a daily risk of encountering crime that is higher than the UK average. This figure, which is 30.9% above the national rate of 6.8 per 1,000, highlights a significant disparity in local safety compared to the broader UK context. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.2% of all reported incidents. This category alone exceeds the UK average by 68%, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—may contribute to the observed trends. The built-up nature of the area, which includes a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely plays a role in shaping the crime profile. For instance, the surge in vehicle crime (up 250% from December) may be linked to increased vehicle movement during the post-holiday period, while the rise in shoplifting (up 175%) could reflect a combination of reduced retail oversight and heightened opportunistic activity. These patterns suggest a combination of environmental factors and human behavior, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal links. The town’s proximity to major transport routes and its relatively high population density may also create conditions where certain crime types, such as vehicle-related incidents and shoplifting, are more likely to occur. These factors, while not definitive, provide a framework for understanding the local crime picture.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 250% increase in vehicle crime, with reported incidents rising from 2 to 7. This sharp rise aligns with the post-holiday period, when increased vehicle movement and reduced foot traffic in retail areas may create vulnerabilities. Burglary also surged by 200%, reflecting a shift in crime patterns that could be tied to seasonal factors such as colder weather driving indoor activity. Shoplifting incidents jumped 175% to 11, a figure that is 58% above the UK average for this category. This suggests a particular challenge for local businesses, as the rate of shoplifting in Featherstone is significantly higher than the national benchmark. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson decreased by 50% from 16 to 8, a decline that may indicate effective local interventions or reduced seasonal activity in vandalism-prone areas. The overall violent crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents is 68% above the UK average, underscoring a pressing concern for public safety in the area. For residents, the daily risk of encountering a violent crime is approximately one in every 238 people, compared to the UK average of one in every 571.

The crime rate in Featherstone rose to 8.9 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, a 12.5% increase from December’s 7.9 per 1,000. This means that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 112 residents, translating to a daily average of three crimes in the built-up area. With a population of 12,098, this rate places the town 30.9% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. The built-up nature of Featherstone, which includes a mix of residential zones and commercial hubs, likely contributes to the visibility of certain crime types. The shift in crime patterns from December to January may reflect seasonal factors, such as post-holiday activity or reduced retail footfall, which could influence both the frequency and nature of incidents. However, the exact interplay between these variables remains speculative without further data. The population density of Featherstone, combined with its proximity to major transport routes, may also create conditions where vehicle crime and shoplifting are more prevalent. These factors, while not definitive, offer plausible explanations for the observed trends.