South Elmsall Crime Rate

South Elmsall's overall crime rate stands at 146.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in the area's safety score of 65/100, which sits below the national average of 79/100. However, the recent trend data shows that crime in South Elmsall is decreasing, with a notable 16.2% drop year-over-year. As a busy urban settlement with a mix of residential and commercial zones, South Elmsall experiences a higher volume of reported incidents than many of its neighbours. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics, offering residents a clearer understanding of the local safety environment and the specific types of crime that are most prevalent in the area.

In South Elmsall, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 40.5% of all incidents at a rate of 59.3 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.4% and shoplifting at 9.4%. Property crime is a significant factor for the area, with an overall rate of 50.6 per 1,000 people, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes shoplifting, criminal damage and arson (8.5%), and vehicle crime (4.9%). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight a persistent risk to property. The high rate of property-related offences, combined with a significant volume of violent crime, suggests that both personal and residential security should be a high priority. Proactive measures are recommended to mitigate the risk of opportunistic crime in this busy urban settlement.

The crime trend in South Elmsall is currently classified as decreasing, with a notable year-over-year drop of 16.2%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some volatility. The period began with a crime rate of 11.9 in December, which peaked at 14.9 in January. Throughout the spring and summer, the rate fluctuated, with another high of 14.3 in April and 13.9 in July. However, the year ended on a downward trend, reaching its lowest point of 8.3 in November. This overall decrease is a positive sign for the area, suggesting that crime levels are beginning to subside from previous highs. For residents, this trend offers some reassurance, though the baseline rate remains high.

How To Keep Safe in South Elmsall

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in South Elmsall, accounting for over 40% of all reports. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when out in the community, particularly during the evening. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. If you are out late, try to travel with others and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged.

Given the high rate of property crime, particularly vehicle crime at night, car owners should be extra vigilant. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left inside. If possible, park in a well-lit area or a secure garage. At home, the property crime rate suggests that basic security is essential; ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are inside. Joining a local neighbourhood watch group can provide valuable real-time updates on any suspicious activity in your specific area, helping to keep your home and community safer.

Crime patterns in South Elmsall show distinct shifts throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most common offence, accounting for 39% to 44% of crimes. This period coincides with peak daily activity, making opportunistic theft more likely. As the day transitions into the evening and night, the focus shifts toward property-related crime. Vehicle crime becomes a major concern late at night, making up 41% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Burglary also remains a factor throughout the day, peaking during the afternoon at 18%. Interestingly, while violence is the most common crime overall, the time-specific data suggests it is less concentrated in these specific windows compared to theft and vehicle-related offences. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk periods for specific crimes.

South Elmsall experiences a higher crime rate than many of its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 146.5 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Upton (89.4) and South Kirkby (135.3). In contrast, more rural neighbouring areas like Badsworth and Thorpe Audlin reported negligible crime rates in this period. This positioning makes South Elmsall a primary area for reported activity in this part of the Wakefield district. Understanding these local comparisons helps residents make informed decisions about their security and lifestyle in the region.

In South Elmsall, where the property crime rate is 50.6 per 1,000 people—well above the UK average—relying on traditional, reactive security measures may leave your home vulnerable. Most standard CCTV systems and DIY doorbells are designed to record footage of an incident as it happens or after the fact, which does little to prevent the crime itself. For real peace of mind, homeowners should consider proactive protection. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious individual, only alerting you to genuine risks. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like lighting and audio speakers, destroying the element of surprise for an intruder. In an environment with higher property crime, this proactive stance is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a hard target.