Sharlston Crime Rate

Sharlston presents a reassuring statistical profile for residents and visitors alike. With an overall crime rate of 57.1 per 1,000 people, the area is significantly safer than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of security is reflected in a safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 79. While the community remains generally peaceful, recent data indicates an 8.6% increase in year-over-year crime, suggesting a slight upward trend that warrants attention. Despite this rise, Sharlston remains a low-crime settlement within the Wakefield local authority, characterised by a high proportion of residential areas and a relatively stable population. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and practical safety advice tailored to the Sharlston area.

Crime Breakdown in Sharlston

Crime in Sharlston is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 59.2% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 33.8 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (11.8%) and anti-social behaviour (9.2%). These three categories represent the vast majority of local police activity.

When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—Sharlston maintains a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.3. While burglary itself is rare, representing only 1.3% of total crime, the presence of criminal damage suggests that residents should remain vigilant regarding the external security of their homes and outbuildings. Overall, the statistical profile suggests a settlement where opportunistic property crime is less frequent than in more densely populated urban centres, though personal safety remains the primary statistical concern.

Crime Trends in Sharlston

The crime trend in Sharlston is currently on an upward trajectory, with a year-over-year increase of 8.6%. This rise comes despite the area remaining significantly safer than the national average. Monthly data from the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period shows notable fluctuations in activity. The safest month was October 2025, with a crime rate of just 1.5 per 1,000 people. In contrast, the months of April and May 2025 saw significant spikes, reaching 8.3 and 9.8 per 1,000 respectively.

These spring and early summer peaks may suggest a seasonal element to local crime, possibly linked to longer daylight hours and increased outdoor activity. Following the May peak, the rate generally trended downwards through the autumn before a slight rise again in November. For residents, this trend indicates that while Sharlston is a high-safety area, periodic surges in crime can occur, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent security measures throughout the year rather than reacting only to immediate incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Sharlston

The most prevalent crime type in Sharlston is violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly 60% of all recorded incidents. While this category is broad and often includes domestic or isolated incidents, general personal safety remains a priority. To stay safe in the area, consider the following advice:

1. Stay Aware in Quiet Areas: When walking through less populated parts of the village, particularly after dark, stay alert and avoid using headphones, which can reduce your awareness of your surroundings.
2. Utilise Local Support: Engage with local community groups and neighbourhood watch schemes. A connected community is often more effective at identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour early.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB making up over 9% of local crime, reporting incidents to the local council or police helps ensure that hotspots are patrolled and issues are addressed before they escalate.
4. Secure Your Perimeter: Given that criminal damage is the second highest crime type, ensure your property's boundaries are well-lit and fences are in good repair to discourage opportunistic vandalism.

Crime Timing in Sharlston

Analysis of crime timing in Sharlston reveals distinct patterns for different offence types. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), where it constitutes 31% of all recorded activity in those hours. This suggests that offenders take advantage of the cover of darkness and reduced street activity. Burglary, though rare overall, shows a slight peak during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 11% of incidents in that period, likely coinciding with times when residents are away from their homes.

The morning and afternoon periods see the highest concentration of theft-related offences, often linked to the daily routines of the community. Conversely, the evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, typically as social activity increases. Understanding these windows of activity can help residents take more targeted precautions, such as ensuring vehicles are extra secure overnight and homes are monitored during the working day.

When compared to surrounding settlements, Sharlston occupies a mid-to-high position for safety. It is considerably more secure than Streethouse, which records a high crime rate of 129.7 per 1,000 people, and Featherstone, which stands at 125.8. Sharlston also compares favourably to Crofton, where the crime rate is slightly higher at 62.2. However, it is not the safest area in the immediate vicinity; Walton remains the regional leader for security with a lower crime rate of 40.8 per 1,000. For those looking at the wider Wakefield area, Sharlston represents a safe residential choice that avoids the higher crime volumes found in the larger nearby towns.

Protecting Your Property in Sharlston

While Sharlston enjoys a property crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000—far below the UK average—the 8.6% increase in overall crime suggests that proactive security is a wise investment. Criminal damage and arson account for nearly 12% of local incidents, highlighting a need for external property protection. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive; they provide evidence of a crime after it has already occurred.

For residents seeking genuine peace of mind, the scOS artificial intelligence operating system offers a proactive alternative. By monitoring camera feeds in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats at the boundary of your property before a break-in occurs. Features like pattern learning allow the system to distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, while autonomous responses like activating lights can deter intruders instantly. In an area like Sharlston, where vehicle crime peaks at night, having a system that "never blinks" ensures that your property remains protected even during the most vulnerable hours. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to maintain the safety of your home.