Normanton (Wakefield) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Normanton (Wakefield) recorded a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 10.3% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, does not obscure the area’s specific challenges. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.8% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category. Shoplifting followed at 11.1%, and anti-social behaviour at 10.4%, reflecting a mix of issues that span both property and personal safety. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—may partly explain the lower volume of shoplifting compared to busier months. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour could be linked to colder weather and community dynamics, as shorter daylight hours often correlate with increased indoor gatherings and potential conflicts. The area’s built-up nature within Wakefield likely contributes to its crime profile, with a balance of residential and commercial spaces creating opportunities for both violent and property crimes. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, certain categories—such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour—require closer attention, as they exceed or fall significantly below national trends. The data suggests that local factors, including the area’s role within Wakefield and its seasonal rhythms, play a significant role in shaping crime patterns.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one to two incidents, while bicycle theft also doubled, marking a shift in local crime patterns. Anti-social behaviour rose by 75%, from eight to 14 cases, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors such as colder weather and reduced outdoor activity. Conversely, other crime categories saw declines, with 'other crime' dropping by 50% and possession of weapons falling by half. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 21.5%, though this remains the largest single category, accounting for 37.8% of all crimes. Shoplifting, at 11.1% of total crimes, was 23% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability in retail areas. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in drug-related issues and anti-social behaviour, even as broader trends show some reduction in violence.

Normanton (Wakefield) maintained a stable crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, matching the previous month’s figure. This consistency suggests no sudden shifts in local dynamics, though the daily crime count of four incidents per day remains a tangible reality for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk in everyday terms. With a population of 22,095, this translates to a relatively low but non-trivial likelihood of encountering crime. The local rate is 10.3% below the UK average, but this comparison does not fully capture the nuances of Normanton’s specific challenges, such as the sharp rise in drug-related incidents or the persistent gap in certain crime categories. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the overall rate is lower than the UK average, targeted issues like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour demand focused attention.