Upton (Wakefield) Crime Rate

Upton (Wakefield) currently has an overall crime rate of 89.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area maintains a safety score of 77/100, sitting just below the national average of 79/100. The recent trend data shows that crime is decreasing, with a notable 19.9% drop year-over-year. As a primarily residential urban settlement within the wider Wakefield district, Upton offers a relatively secure environment for its residents. While certain types of crime are still reported, the overall frequency is consistent with national norms. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of the specific crimes prevalent in the area and when they are most likely to occur, offering residents valuable insights for their safety.

In Upton (Wakefield), violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 45.7% of all incidents at a rate of 40.8 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.5% and criminal damage and arson at 9.5%. Property crime is a factor for the area, with an overall rate of 23.5 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes other theft (7.0%), vehicle crime (5.0%), and burglary (3.0%). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a relatively safe environment compared to more urban areas. However, the combined threat of property-related offences still necessitates effective security measures. The prevalence of criminal damage and theft indicates that opportunistic crime remains a risk, and residents should take sensible precautions to protect their homes and vehicles.

The crime trend in Upton is currently classified as decreasing, with a significant year-over-year drop of 19.9%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some fluctuations. The period began with a crime rate of 8.5 in December, which remained relatively steady through the winter. A notable peak occurred in March 2025, where the rate reached 10.9 per 1,000 people. Throughout the summer and autumn, the rate fluctuated between 5.9 and 8.5, before ending the period at 5.9 in November. This overall decrease is a positive sign for the area, suggesting that crime levels are subsiding from previous years. For residents, this trend offers reassurance of a consistently safe environment.

How To Keep Safe in Upton (Wakefield)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Upton, accounting for nearly 46% of all reports. While the overall rate is close to the national average, it is still important to stay 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 prevalence of vehicle crime, particularly at night when it accounts for 40% of incidents, car owners should be 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 Upton show distinct shifts throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a major offence, accounting for 42% to 47% 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 40% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Burglary also remains a factor throughout the day, peaking at 17% in the afternoon and night. 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 property-related offences. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk periods for specific crimes.

Upton is one of the more balanced areas in its local region in terms of safety. When compared to nearby settlements, it has a significantly lower crime rate than South Elmsall (146.5) and South Kirkby (135.3). However, it experiences more reported activity than its more rural neighbours like Badsworth and Thorpe Audlin. This positioning makes Upton a typical urban settlement for the region, offering a blend of local amenities and a stable safety environment. Understanding these local comparisons helps residents make informed decisions about their security and lifestyle in the area.

In Upton, where the property crime rate is 23.5 per 1,000 people—below the UK average—maintaining a secure home is still an important consideration. While the area is relatively safe, the prevalence of vehicle crime—particularly at night—highlights a specific vulnerability. Traditional, reactive security measures like standard CCTV or DIY doorbells often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred. For more effective protection, residents should consider a proactive approach. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home or vehicle. It can distinguish between a family member and a suspicious individual, ensuring you are only alerted to genuine risks. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting, stopping a criminal in their tracks. For those in Upton, this shift from recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure their property.