Pontefract Crime Rate

The urban area of Pontefract has an overall crime rate of 125.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. The area currently holds a safety score of 68/100, compared to the national average of 79. However, the most recent data shows a positive trend, with crime rates decreasing by 7.2% year-over-year. This indicates that while Pontefract experiences higher crime volumes than the national average, the overall situation is improving. The following data provides a detailed look at crime types, timing, and regional comparisons for the Pontefract built-up area.

In Pontefract, violence and sexual offences are the most significant crime type, accounting for 1,951 recorded incidents, which is 47.0% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 11.2%, followed by shoplifting at 8.4%. For residents and homeowners, property crime is an important consideration, with a rate of 35.0 per 1,000 people, slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2.

The property crime landscape in Pontefract is notably influenced by shoplifting, which accounts for 10.5 incidents per 1,000 people. Other theft (4.2%) and criminal damage and arson (7.0%) also contribute to the local statistics. Vehicle crime is reported at a rate of 4.3 per 1,000, while burglary makes up 3.0% of the total recorded offences. For residents, this means that while Pontefract is safer than some nearby urban areas, there is a persistent risk of theft and property-related incidents. The concentration of retail activity in the town centre likely contributes to the shoplifting figures, while residential areas remain a target for opportunistic property crimes. Proper home security is therefore a recommended measure for all local property owners.

The crime trend in Pontefract is currently on a downward trajectory, with a year-over-year decrease of 7.2%. Monthly analysis for 2025 shows that the year began with a crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 in January, rising to a peak of 12.3 in May. This early summer peak is notable and suggests a seasonal increase in recorded activity.

Following the May peak, the crime rate remained relatively high through July and August (12.1 and 12.0 respectively), before showing a general decline in the final quarter of the year. The year ended with a rate of 11.0 in December. This pattern indicates that while the area experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, the overall trend is one of improvement. For residents, the consistent reduction compared to the previous year is a positive indicator for the local safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Pontefract

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in the Pontefract urban area, accounting for 47.0% of all reports. When moving through the town centre, particularly during the evening, it is essential to stay in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid walking alone in isolated spots and try to plan your route so you remain on main thoroughfares where possible.

Anti-social behaviour is also a persistent issue (11.2%), so being aware of your surroundings and avoiding groups that may be causing a disturbance is a practical safety measure. For property owners, the high rate of vehicle crime at night (37% of night-time offences) means that securing your car in a garage or behind locked gates is highly recommended. If parking on the street, ensure no valuables are left on display. Additionally, because burglaries are also frequent at night and in the afternoon, reinforcing your home's entry points and using smart security systems that provide real-time alerts can significantly enhance your peace of mind and overall safety.

In Pontefract, crime patterns fluctuate significantly throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) see a high volume of theft-related offences, which account for 38% of crime in this period. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains the highest category at 42%.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), there is a shift in the types of offences recorded. While theft drops to 16%, other crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, rise to 54%. The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a different set of challenges; vehicle crime peaks during these hours, making up 37% of all incidents. Burglary also reaches its highest proportional frequency at night (19%) and in the afternoon (19%). This data suggests that while commercial areas are most at risk during the day, residential property and vehicles become the primary targets under the cover of darkness.

Pontefract's urban crime rate of 125.5 per 1,000 is lower than its closest neighbour, Castleford, which reports 145.5. It is also lower than Holmfield (138.8) but slightly higher than Featherstone (122.8). In contrast, the nearby village of Darrington has a significantly lower rate of 69.5. This comparison shows that Pontefract is a moderately active urban hub in the region, reflecting its role as a key centre for commerce and social activity, while still maintaining a better safety profile than some of its more industrialised neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 35.0 per 1,000 people, residents in Pontefract face a persistent risk of theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offences. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive, capturing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In an urban environment, proactive protection is far more effective.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats before they escalate. It can identify suspicious loitering or unauthorised vehicles and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or audio deterrents. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to move on before even attempting a break-in. For Pontefract residents, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade solution that actively works to keep your home and family safe from the local property crime challenges.