Normanton (Wakefield) Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 22,095 residents, 141 crimes were recorded in Normanton during February 2025, translating to a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 people. This figure is 4.5% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000, reflecting a slight improvement in local safety compared to the national picture. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.7% of all recorded crimes (56 incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (12.1%) and vehicle crime (11.4%). These patterns align with seasonal trends typical of a small urban area during winter, when reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may limit opportunities for certain crimes. However, the high proportion of violence-related offences suggests ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety in communal spaces. While the overall rate is below the UK average, several categories—such as criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, and other crime—show significantly higher rates than national figures. This discrepancy may be linked to local factors, such as the presence of aging infrastructure requiring maintenance or a higher concentration of parked vehicles in residential areas. The seasonal context of February—a month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may also influence crime dynamics, though the persistence of violence-related offences indicates the need for continued community engagement and policing strategies. The data underscores the importance of addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term structural issues to sustain the current reduction in crime rates.

February 2025 saw marked fluctuations in specific crime categories, with some areas showing sharp increases while others experienced notable declines. Other crime surged by 166.7%, rising from 3 to 8 incidents—a jump that may reflect heightened enforcement or shifting criminal activity patterns. Similarly, vehicle crime increased by 128.6% (7 to 16), potentially linked to seasonal changes in vehicle usage or parking habits. Robbery also saw a 100% increase, with two incidents reported compared to none in January, though the small sample size means this should be interpreted cautiously. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 65.0% (from 20 to 7), due to reduced foot traffic during the winter months or targeted interventions by local businesses. Burglary also dropped by 55.6% (9 to 4), which could indicate improved home security measures or lower opportunities for entry during colder weather. However, several categories remain significantly above the UK average: criminal damage and arson (67% above), vehicle crime (89% above), and public order offences (14% above). These figures highlight areas where local conditions—such as the presence of high-traffic public spaces or aging infrastructure—may contribute to higher rates. Meanwhile, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are below the UK average (52% and 69% below respectively), suggesting effective local initiatives or community engagement efforts that have mitigated these issues.

The crime rate in February 2025 (6.4 per 1,000) marked a 20.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.1 per 1,000, illustrating a significant downward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to an average of 5 crimes reported per day in Normanton, a figure that provides residents with a tangible sense of the local crime profile. When scaled to the population of 22,095, the monthly exposure means that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 157 residents over the course of February—a rate that, while not negligible, is lower than the UK average and suggests a degree of relative safety. This comparison is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the impact of crime on daily life in a way that raw numbers alone cannot. The reduction in crime since January may be attributed to a combination of factors, including seasonal lulls in outdoor activity and targeted policing efforts during the winter months. However, the persistence of above-average rates in categories like criminal damage and arson indicates that certain challenges remain unresolved. The contrast between the overall decline and the specific increases in vehicle crime and other crime categories also underscores the complexity of local crime patterns, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to safety planning. For a small built-up area within Wakefield, these statistics offer both reassurance and a clear roadmap for addressing remaining vulnerabilities.