Upton (Wakefield) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 presented a mixed picture for Upton (Wakefield), with the area’s overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents placing it 9.4% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure, however, masks significant disparities in the types of crime reported. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 61.1% of all crimes (22 cases), a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents that is 51% above the UK average. This category’s sharp increase—up 57.1% from 14 cases in January—suggests a possible link to seasonal factors, such as the clustering of social events in enclosed spaces during colder months. Anti-social behaviour followed with 13.9% of cases (5 incidents), though its rate (0.8 per 1,000) was 12% below the UK average. The remaining crimes, including criminal damage and arson, were broadly in line with national trends, though shoplifting’s 0.3 per 1,000 rate (5.6% of total) was 48% below the UK average. This divergence may reflect Upton’s relatively low retail density compared to larger urban centres. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity—likely contributed to the elevated rates of indoor-related crimes, such as violence and sexual offences, while the pre-spring lull may have reduced opportunities for outdoor theft and vehicle crime. These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up district within Wakefield, where residential and commercial zones coexist, creating micro-environments that influence crime dynamics.

February 2026 marked a significant spike in violence and sexual offences, which rose by 57.1% from 14 to 22 cases, the most substantial increase in the area’s crime profile. This surge, while not uncommon in winter months, is notable given the pre-spring lull typically associated with reduced outdoor activity. Shoplifting also saw a 100% increase, doubling from one to two incidents, a figure that, while modest in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local patterns. Conversely, other crime and vehicle crime both dropped by 75%, reflecting a marked decline in these categories. This contrast highlights the uneven nature of crime trends, with violent crime rising sharply while property-related offences fell. The area’s violence rate—3.5 per 1,000 residents—was 51% above the UK average, a disparity that underscores the need for targeted measures in high-risk areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in locations where alcohol-fuelled incidents are more common during colder months.

Upton (Wakefield) saw a 20.0% decrease in its crime rate from 7.2 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents between January and February 2026, marking a notable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day in February, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance in specific areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 173 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area below the UK average in several categories. This statistic, when contextualised against the population of 6,244, illustrates that while the overall crime rate is decreasing, certain types of crime—particularly violence and sexual offences—remain high. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that the area’s crime profile is shaped by local factors, such as the density of residential and commercial activity, which may influence both the frequency and nature of reported incidents.