Wakefield Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wakefield’s November 2024 crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 residents places it 38.2% above the UK average of 7.6, highlighting a stark divergence in local crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime picture, accounting for 41.8% of all incidents and standing at 4.4 per 1,000 residents—71% above the UK average. This figure underscores the area’s elevated risk of violent crime, a trend consistent with Wakefield’s character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and suburban areas where public spaces may see concentrated activity. Anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) also exceed UK averages, likely influenced by seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the darker evenings of November, which may amplify incidents in public spaces. The month’s crime profile reflects a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with Black Friday shopping driving shoplifting and other theft-related offences. However, direct links to specific events, and further analysis would be needed to isolate contributing factors. The rise in property crimes, including burglary and other theft, suggests ongoing challenges in securing residential and commercial areas, particularly during periods of increased consumer activity. Wakefield’s position as a commuter hub and its proximity to major retail centres may further explain the persistent presence of property-related offences. While the overall crime rate remains concerning, the slight 4.4% decrease from October’s 10.9 per 1,000 offers a glimmer of potential progress, though sustained efforts will be required to address the systemic issues driving the area’s elevated crime profile.

November 2024 saw a 55.7% surge in burglary, rising from 122 to 190 incidents. This spike may partly reflect seasonal factors such as increased indoor activity and holiday-related distractions, though no definitive causal link is established. Other theft also rose by 12.2%, potentially linked to Black Friday shopping sprees and the associated increase in retail foot traffic. In contrast, robbery fell by 37.5%, from 32 to 20 cases, a drop that could be attributed to heightened security measures in high-traffic areas. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 21.3%, from 474 to 373, influenced by colder weather reducing outdoor congregation. Violent crimes in Wakefield remain 71% above the UK average, with 4.4 per 1,000 residents affected. This disparity underscores the area’s distinct challenges compared to national trends, particularly in violence and public order offences, which are 57% and 71% above UK averages respectively. Residents may find the 128 daily crimes recorded in November a concrete figure to consider when assessing local safety.

Wakefield’s crime rate in November 2024 (10.5 per 1,000 residents) marked a 4.4% decrease from the previous month’s 10.9 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, suggests a slight stabilisation in local crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 128 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 96 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 367,666. This rate, while lower than October’s, remains significantly above the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Wakefield’s crime profile continues to reflect patterns divergent from the national norm, with property and violent crimes driving the local rate. While the drop from October may hint at temporary factors—such as seasonal lulls in retail activity or increased community engagement—it is unlikely to signal a long-term trend without sustained data points.