Ossett Crime Rate

Ossett presents a relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. With an overall crime rate of 76.9 per 1,000 people, it sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. The area boasts a high safety score of 81/100, significantly outperforming the UK average of 79/100. Recent data indicates a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 6.5% year-over-year. This downward trajectory, combined with its favourable safety score, suggests that Ossett is a stable and increasingly secure community. The following detailed analysis explores the specific types of crime prevalent in the area, seasonal trends, and temporal patterns to provide a comprehensive overview of the local safety landscape for residents and prospective movers.

Crime Breakdown in Ossett

Crime in Ossett is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.1% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 33.2 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also feature prominently in local statistics, representing 12.7% and 9.6% of the total respectively. These three categories form the core of the local policing challenge.

Property-related crime in Ossett remains a significant concern for residents and homeowners. This category, which includes burglary, robbery, various forms of theft, and criminal damage, currently stands at a rate of 23.0 per 1,000 people. Specifically, burglary accounts for 5.8% of total crime, while vehicle crime represents 4.7%. Other theft (6.9%) and shoplifting (5.3%) also contribute to the local property crime profile.

For residents, these figures suggest that while Ossett is generally safer than many urban centres, home and vehicle security should remain a priority. The presence of shoplifting and other theft indicates a level of opportunistic crime in commercial areas. Homeowners are advised to ensure that physical security measures are robust, as the combination of burglary and criminal damage (5.2%) highlights the ongoing need for property protection.

Crime Trends in Ossett

Ossett is currently experiencing a positive trend in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 6.5% year-over-year. This reduction suggests that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are effectively managing criminal activity within the area.

A closer look at the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some seasonal fluctuations. The period began with a relatively low crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 in December 2024, which gradually climbed through the spring months. The crime rate reached its peak in June 2025 at 7.5 per 1,000, a common pattern as warmer weather and longer daylight hours often correlate with increased public activity and associated offences. Following this peak, the rate steadily declined through the autumn, ending at 6.1 per 1,000 in November 2025. This overall downward trajectory from the summer peak is an encouraging sign for residents, indicating that the area is moving towards a lower sustained crime rate.

How To Keep Safe in Ossett

The most prevalent crime type in Ossett is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 43.1% of all reported incidents. While this category covers a broad range of offences, personal safety and awareness remain paramount for residents.

To enhance your personal safety in Ossett, consider the following advice:

• When walking at night, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or parks.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using headphones or mobile phones in a way that distracts you from what is happening nearby.
• If you are socialising, plan your journey home in advance and use reputable taxi services or travel with friends whenever possible.
• Trust your instincts; if a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, move to a crowded area or a nearby shop and seek assistance.
• Keep your personal belongings, such as bags and phones, secure and out of sight to avoid attracting opportunistic attention. While Ossett is generally safe, maintaining a high level of situational awareness is the most effective way to mitigate personal risk.

Analysis of crime timings in Ossett reveals significant patterns that correlate with daily routines. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 46% of incidents as businesses open and footfall increases. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft-related offences rise to 48% of the total.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the focus of criminal activity shifts towards property and vehicles. In the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary accounts for 25% of crimes, while 'other' offences, which often include anti-social behaviour, make up 40%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a sharp rise in vehicle crime, which constitutes 38% of all incidents, alongside burglary at 29%. These statistics indicate that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, the night-time presents a higher risk for homeowners and vehicle owners. Residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their properties and vehicles before retiring for the night.

In the context of the wider Wakefield region, Ossett is a relatively secure choice. It is notably safer than neighbouring Horbury, which has a higher crime rate of 88.5 per 1,000 people. Ossett also compares favourably to Middlestown and Overton, where the crime rate reaches 100.4. However, the area does have higher recorded crime than the exceptionally low-crime rural settlements of Kirkhamgate and Coxley, both of which reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people in the latest period. For those looking for an urban settlement with a balance of amenities and safety, Ossett's rate of 76.9 makes it one of the more attractive options in the immediate vicinity, offering a safer environment than several of its closer urban counterparts.

With a property crime rate of 23.0 per 1,000 people in Ossett, protecting your home requires more than just reactive measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, often only provide footage after an incident has occurred. In contrast, scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate into a break-in.

The system's autonomous response capabilities, including activating lights and speakers, are designed to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent night-time issues, having a system that can distinguish between a family member and a genuine threat is invaluable. Visible, professional-grade security like scOS serves as a powerful deterrent; most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds, and a property that actively monitors and responds to their presence is likely to be bypassed in favour of a softer target. Investing in prevention rather than just recording is the most effective way to secure your Ossett home.