Ossett Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

July 2023 marked a significant shift in Ossett’s crime profile, with the area recording a crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000 residents — 31.3% above the UK average of 8.3. This figure places Ossett among the higher-performing areas nationally, though local factors may explain the disparity. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.7%) and public order offences (10.5%). These patterns align with Ossett’s character as a built-up area within Wakefield, where public spaces and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Seasonal dynamics also played a role: with schools out and summer festivals in full swing, outdoor activity increased, amplifying incidents of anti-social behaviour and public disorder. The rate of violent crime in Ossett — 4.0 per 1,000 — is 44% above the UK average for this category, suggesting a concentration of risk factors in the area. While property crime remains a concern, it constitutes a smaller share of the total (26.2%), reflecting a balance between violent and property-related incidents. The seasonal peak of tourism and local events in July likely influenced these trends, though the precise interplay between event attendance and crime remains unclear. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during the summer months.

July 2023 saw a marked increase in burglary, with reported cases rising 400% compared to June, from 2 to 10 incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns. Concurrently, theft from the person and drug-related offences each doubled month-on-month, highlighting emerging concerns in these categories. By contrast, shoplifting — traditionally a seasonal concern in retail areas — dropped by 48.1% (from 27 to 14), possibly due to increased police presence or changes in shopping behaviour during the summer. Public order offences also declined slightly (by 11.1%), though they remain 77% above the UK average. The crime mix in Ossett continues to skew heavily towards violence and anti-social behaviour, which together account for 56.4% of all incidents. This is 44% above the UK average for violent crime and 48% above for anti-social behaviour, suggesting a need for community-focused strategies to address these issues. For residents, the sharp rise in burglary may be particularly concerning, as it represents a 400% increase in a single month — a figure that, while not indicative of a long-term trend, warrants attention. Local authorities may need to reassess security measures in high-risk properties or public spaces during peak summer months.

Ossett’s crime rate in July 2023 rose 7.0% from June’s 10.2 per 1,000, reaching 10.9 — a figure that places the area well above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day, a rate that, while manageable, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 92 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against Ossett’s population of 21,019, suggests a manageable but non-trivial level of risk. This figure is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent monthly exposure would be lower. The increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour may be influenced by the area’s demographics and seasonal activity. With Ossett’s built-up character and proximity to Wakefield’s urban core, the combination of local and regional influences likely contributes to the higher-than-average rates. However, the sharp rise in burglary — despite the overall small number of incidents — may indicate specific vulnerabilities in property security during the summer months. For residents, these statistics provide a clear snapshot of the area’s crime profile, enabling informed decisions about safety measures and community engagement.