Ossett Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 21,019, Ossett recorded 151 crimes in May 2025, translating to a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 11.1% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting Ossett’s relatively low crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, which constituted 39.7% of total reports, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.2%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). These patterns align with Ossett’s character as a built-up area within Wakefield, where community-focused policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced property crime rates. Seasonal factors in May—such as extended evenings and bank holidays—likely influence socialising patterns, potentially driving increases in alcohol-related violence and public order offences. However, the area’s crime rate remains lower than the UK average for violent crimes, with violence and sexual offences at 2.9 per 1,000 (2% above the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000). This suggests that while violence is a significant local concern, it is not overrepresented compared to national trends. The overall balance of crime types highlights a mix of community-specific challenges and broader demographic influences, warranting continued analysis of local initiatives and seasonal impacts.

May 2025 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with vehicle crime, burglary, and other theft all experiencing significant increases. Vehicle crime rose by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents), burglary also jumped 133.3% (from 3 to 7), and other theft surged by 120.0% (from 5 to 11). These spikes may reflect heightened activity in residential areas during warmer evenings or changes in vehicle security practices. Conversely, public order offences fell sharply by 58.3% (from 24 to 10), potentially linked to reduced outdoor gatherings or increased enforcement in key locations. Drug-related crimes also dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), a decrease that could signal improved local interventions or shifts in illicit activity patterns. Ossett’s violent crime rate—2.9 per 1,000—remains 2% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge in addressing aggression and sexual offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting incidents fell 55% below the UK average (0.3 vs 0.7 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic in commercial areas during May. These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of local crime dynamics, where targeted efforts in some areas may not yet extend to others.

Ossett’s crime rate in May 2025 rose 7.0% from April’s 6.7 per 1,000, though it remains below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that may appear high to residents but is contextualised by Ossett’s population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 139 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable urban areas. With 21,019 residents, the population-scaled perspective shows that individual risk remains relatively low, though concentrated areas—such as the town centre—may see higher localised rates. The previous month’s decline in public order offences, coupled with the recent increase in vehicle crime, suggests that seasonal factors and local events can drive short-term fluctuations. Residents should consider these statistics alongside community-specific patterns, such as the higher prevalence of violence and sexual offences compared to UK averages, when assessing personal safety. The comparison also underscores that while Ossett is not immune to crime, its overall profile remains distinct from both national trends and other regions with similar demographics.