Crime Statistics

Pontefract Crime Rate

-6.0%year-over-year

Crime is decreasing and HIGH in Pontefract

Pontefract's crime rate is 126.7 per 1,000, with a safety score of 68/100, showing a decreasing trend. Explore local crime stats.

Overall Crime Rate

126.7
Crimes per 1,000 people
decreasing trend

Property Crime Rate

34.4
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Pontefract Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:126.7vs 93.4 UK avg
+33.3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:34.4vs 33.2 UK avg
+1.2 per 1,000 people

Pontefract's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 33,067 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Pontefract

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Pontefract
Overall Crime Rate126.7 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate34.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score68 out of 100
Population33,067
Trenddecreasing
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Pontefract
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences1,93458.546%
Anti-social behaviour51315.512%
Public order34810.58%
Shoplifting332108%
Criminal damage and arson29897%
Other theft1745.34%
Burglary1273.83%
Vehicle crime1243.83%
Other crime1183.63%
Drugs972.92%
Possession of weapons421.31%
Theft from the person381.11%
Robbery290.91%
Bicycle theft140.40%

About Pontefract Crime Statistics

The urban area of Pontefract records an overall crime rate of 126.7 per 1,000 residents annually, accompanied by a safety score of 68 out of 100. This crime rate is higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, and its safety score is below the national average of 78/100. Positively, the latest data indicates a decreasing trend in crime, with a notable reduction of 6.0% year-on-year. These figures provide a clear overview of the current crime situation in Pontefract, offering valuable insights for residents and those interested in the area's safety profile.

Pontefract Safety Score

68
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Pontefract's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Pontefract

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:46%
Per 1,000:58.5
Total:1,934
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:12%
Per 1,000:15.5
Total:513
#3

Public order

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:10.5
Total:348
#4

Shoplifting

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:10
Total:332
#5

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:9
Total:298

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

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Crime Breakdown in Pontefract

In Pontefract, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, making up 46.2% of all recorded incidents, at a rate of 58.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows, constituting 12.2% of crimes (15.5 per 1,000), with public order offences ranking third at 8.3% (10.5 per 1,000). Property-related crime is a notable concern, with an overall rate of 34.4 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (10.0 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (9.0 per 1,000), other theft (5.3 per 1,000), burglary (3.8 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (3.8 per 1,000). Less frequent, but still relevant, are theft from the person (1.1 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000). Understanding these specific crime figures helps residents identify potential risks and consider appropriate protective measures.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
1,934 incidents (58.5 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
513 incidents (15.5 per 1,000)
Public order
348 incidents (10.5 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
332 incidents (10 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
298 incidents (9 per 1,000)
Other theft
174 incidents (5.3 per 1,000)
Burglary
127 incidents (3.8 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
124 incidents (3.8 per 1,000)
Other crime
118 incidents (3.6 per 1,000)
Drugs
97 incidents (2.9 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
42 incidents (1.3 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
38 incidents (1.1 per 1,000)
Robbery
29 incidents (0.9 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
14 incidents (0.4 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 20.2% change(over 12 months)
Pontefract
UK Average

Compare Pontefract with similar populations

Pontefract has a 35.7% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Pontefract

Pontefract has experienced a positive crime trend over the past year, with a significant decrease of 6.0% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. An examination of the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents reached its lowest point in February 2025 at 8.4, while the highest rates were observed in July 2025 (12.1) and August 2025 (12.0). May 2025 also saw an elevated rate of 12.3. This overall decreasing trend is a positive indicator for the area, suggesting an improvement in the local crime landscape. However, continued awareness of monthly variations remains important for residents.

When Do Crimes Happen in Pontefract?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Pontefract's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Pontefract?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft40%
Other35%
Vehicle Crime13%
Burglary12%
Violence0%

Morning hours in Pontefract see significant theft and 'Other' crimes, often linked to daytime activity.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft43%
Other33%
Burglary20%
Vehicle Crime5%
Violence0%

Afternoon crime is dominated by theft and 'Other' offences, coinciding with peak daytime activity.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other54%
Theft17%
Burglary16%
Vehicle Crime12%
Violence0%

Evening hours show a shift towards 'Other' crimes, with consistent burglary and vehicle crime rates.

Night

12am - 6am

Other38%
Vehicle Crime33%
Burglary21%
Theft9%
Violence0%

Night-time in Pontefract is marked by elevated vehicle crime and 'Other' offences, occurring when properties are unoccupied.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Pontefract's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Pontefract, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time Patterns of Crime in Pontefract

Crime patterns in Pontefract demonstrate discernible shifts throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a high incidence of theft, making up 40% of crimes, alongside notable 'Other' crime types (35%), vehicle crime (13%), and burglary (12%). This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains high at 43% and 'Other' crime types are 33%, with burglary rising to 20%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts; 'Other' crime types become most prominent (54%), theft drops to 17%, and burglary is 16%. Night-time (12am-6am) sees the highest rates of vehicle crime (33%) and 'Other' crime types (38%), often occurring when properties are unoccupied, with burglary at 21% and theft at its lowest (9%).

Crime Rates Near Wakefield

Doncaster

14.0 miles

133.8
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Leeds

12.1 miles

129.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Barnsley

15.1 miles

109.9
per 1,000
High Risk

Rotherham

20.5 miles

104.8
per 1,000
High Risk

Kirklees

19.6 miles

100.1
per 1,000
High Risk

York

21.2 miles

93.7
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Darrington

2.0 miles

73.9
per 1,000
Low Risk

Featherstone (Wakefield)

2.3 miles

122.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Holmfield

2.1 miles

135.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Castleford

2.4 miles

147.3
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Police Response Times in Pontefract

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

11 minActual
Actual
11 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
4 min faster than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

43 minActual
Actual
43 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
17 min faster than target

Active Officers

6,138

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does Pontefract Compare?

Caversham

46.6
crimes per 1,000 people
63.2% safer than Pontefract

Letchworth

88.5
crimes per 1,000 people
30.1% safer than Pontefract

Abingdon-on-Thames

70.2
crimes per 1,000 people
44.6% safer than Pontefract

Horndean

50.8
crimes per 1,000 people
59.9% safer than Pontefract

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Pontefract's crime rate can be compared with neighbouring areas such as Darrington, Holmfield, Featherstone (Wakefield), and Castleford. Pontefract's overall crime rate of 126.7 per 1,000 and property crime rate of 34.4 per 1,000 provide a benchmark against these localities. While each area has its own specific crime profile, this comparison helps to contextualise Pontefract's safety score of 68/100, offering valuable insights for residents and those evaluating the local environment.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

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Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

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  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
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Protecting Your Home in Pontefract

With a property crime rate of 34.4 per 1,000 in Pontefract, securing your home is a key consideration. Traditional security cameras often capture footage after a crime has occurred, but they don't prevent the intrusion itself. For genuine peace of mind, consider proactive security solutions. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens, by detecting threats at your property's boundary. Unlike reactive systems, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor simultaneously, learning your routines to differentiate between legitimate activity and real threats. This professional-grade deterrence can cause potential burglars to abandon their plans within 60 seconds, preventing the incident entirely. Prioritising such proactive protection can significantly enhance the safety of your home in Pontefract.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Pontefract

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Pontefract. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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