Pontefract Crime Rate

Pontefract has a crime rate of 124.9 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. However, the town maintains a safety score of 68/100, suggesting it is relatively safe compared to other urban areas with similar crime volumes. Most importantly, the crime trend in Pontefract is decreasing, with a 7.2% reduction in total incidents over the past year. This positive trajectory indicates that the town is moving toward a safer environment for its residents. While violence and public order offences remain the most reported crime types, property-related crime is roughly in line with national averages, providing a balanced safety profile for this historic market town.

In Pontefract, the crime data is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.7% of all recorded incidents (58.3 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are the next most frequent, at 11.7% and 8.3% respectively. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—the rate is 34.3 per 1,000 people. This is very close to the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Pontefract's property risk is typical for a town of its size. However, the high percentage of violence and public order offences indicates that personal safety in public spaces is a more significant concern for residents than property-related crime.

Pontefract's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 7.2% reduction in total crimes over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime was at its lowest in February (8.4) and January (9.1), while the highest rates were recorded in May (12.3) and July (12.1). The overall trend shows a consistent decline from the peak in mid-summer toward the end of the year. For residents, this is a positive sign that crime is being effectively managed, although the higher rates in summer suggest that seasonal factors may influence local safety levels.

How To Keep Safe in Pontefract

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Pontefract, making personal awareness a priority. When out in the town centre, particularly during evening hours, try to stay in well-lit areas and travel with others where possible. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor, so being mindful of your surroundings and avoiding large, rowdy groups can help you stay safe. For retail workers and shoppers, being alert to shoplifting and opportunistic theft is important. At home, ensure that your property is well-secured with high-quality locks and that no valuables are visible from the street. Simple measures like installing motion-sensor lighting can also act as a significant deterrent to potential intruders or vandals. Taking a proactive approach to your personal safety is the best way to enjoy everything Pontefract has to offer.

Crime in Pontefract follows a distinct daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for approximately 40% of incidents, likely due to town centre commercial activity. As the day ends, 'other' crimes—which include public order and anti-social behaviour—increase significantly, making up 55% of total crimes in the evening. At night (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a major factor, representing 34% of recorded offences. This temporal shift suggests that personal safety is a key focus during social hours, while vehicle and property protection should be the primary concern for residents overnight.

Pontefract's crime rate of 124.9 per 1,000 people places it in a safer position than its neighbour Castleford (147.0) and the nearby area of Holmfield (133.2). It is very similar in profile to Featherstone (Wakefield), which has a rate of 125.8. However, it is significantly more active than the smaller village of Darrington, which has a much lower rate of 71.4. This context shows that while Pontefract is a busy urban centre, it is one of the safer options among the larger towns in the Wakefield local authority area.

Pontefract's property crime rate of 34.3 per 1,000 people is close to the national average, but this doesn't mean residents should be reactive about their security. Standard alarm systems and CCTV cameras are often only useful after a crime has occurred, providing footage for an investigation rather than preventing the loss. For those who want to actively protect their homes, scOS offers a proactive alternative. Using AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies potential threats at the property boundary. It can then trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter a criminal before they even attempt to break in. In an area like Pontefract, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent risks, the ability to stop a crime before it happens—rather than just recording it—is the ultimate security advantage.