Hemsworth Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance between property and violent crime in Hemsworth during May 2023 reveals a stark contrast to national trends. With a crime rate of 12.7 per 1,000 residents—58.7% above the UK average of 8.0—the area's profile is heavily skewed toward violent crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 51.2% of all reported crimes, far outpacing property crimes (23.1%) and other categories. This dominance of violent crime is consistent with Hemsworth's position as a built-up area within Wakefield, where social interactions in public spaces may amplify opportunities for conflict. The seasonal context of May, with its extended evenings and bank holidays, likely contributes to increased outdoor socialising and alcohol consumption, factors that may align with the high proportion of public order offences (11.6%) and anti-social behaviour (9.9%). While property crime rates remain lower than violent crime, the 28 recorded incidents still reflect local vulnerabilities, such as the relatively high rate of vehicle crime (0.6 per 1,000) compared to the UK average. Shoplifting was the only property-related category significantly below the UK average (59% lower), indicating effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic during the month. This contrast between property and violent crime suggests a combination of local dynamics, including the influence of community cohesion, policing strategies, and seasonal patterns on crime outcomes.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in Hemsworth's crime profile, with vehicle crime surging by 100% (3 to 6 incidents) and drug-related offences rising by 50% (2 to 3). These increases contrast sharply with sharp declines in shoplifting (83.3% drop from 12 to 2) and other crime (60% drop from 5 to 2). The violent crime category remained elevated, with violence and sexual offences at 6.5 per 1,000—134% above the UK average. This stark imbalance between property and violent crime is further underscored by the fact that public order offences (1.5 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) also exceeded national benchmarks by over 100%. The month-on-month shift in crime mix reveals a troubling trend: while property crime categories like shoplifting fell sharply, the rise in vehicle crime may reflect increased vehicle movement during May's longer evenings and bank holidays. Residents may find the 59% below-average shoplifting rate particularly notable, as it suggests that targeted retail security measures or reduced pedestrian traffic during the month may have played a role. These findings highlight the need for continued focus on addressing violent crime and public order issues, even as certain property-related categories show improvement.

Hemsworth's May 2023 crime rate of 12.7 per 1,000 represents a 6.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 13.5, indicating a modest downward trend. However, this reduction does not fully offset the area's continued divergence from national averages, as the monthly crime rate remains 58.7% above the UK's 8.0 per 1,000. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced roughly 4 crimes per day in May, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents considering their personal risk exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 79 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not immediately alarming, underscores the persistent need for community vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Hemsworth's population-scaled perspective reveals a distinct challenge: the area's violent crime rate is nearly double the national average, while property crime rates remain relatively aligned with other categories. This disparity suggests that local factors—such as the built-up nature of the area and its integration within Wakefield's broader urban framework—may play a significant role in shaping crime patterns. The 6.2% month-on-month decline, though modest, could reflect seasonal adjustments or temporary reductions in specific crime types, but the overall profile remains distinct from the UK's broader crime picture.