Crime in Wakefield district: statistics, rates and trends
43,130 crimes were recorded in Wakefield district in the 12 months to July 2026, 117.3 per 1,000 residents. That is higher than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 7% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Wakefield district at a glance
- Crime trends in Wakefield district
- Types of crime in Wakefield district
- Wakefield district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Wakefield district
- Streets with the most crime in Wakefield district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Wakefield district
- Population and deprivation in Wakefield district
- Questions about crime in Wakefield district
- About this data
43,130 crimes were recorded in Wakefield district in the 12 months to July 2026, 117.3 per 1,000 residents. That is higher than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 7% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 18,288 reports (42% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Wakefield district has the 54th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Wakefield district | Yorkshire and The Humber | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 43,130 | 614,693 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 117.3 | 108.4 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -7% | -2% | -1% |
| Population | 367,666 | 5,672,962 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Wakefield district was highest in the year to July 2023 (52,579 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (43,130). Over the whole period it fell 5%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 43,130 | 117.3 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 46,446 | 126.3 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 47,597 | 129.5 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 52,579 | 143.0 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 50,207 | 136.6 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 45,072 | 122.6 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 45,806 | 124.6 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 47,417 | 129.0 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 45,599 | 124.0 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 3,947 |
| June 2026 | 3,846 |
| May 2026 | 3,799 |
| April 2026 | 3,549 |
| March 2026 | 3,619 |
| February 2026 | 3,128 |
| January 2026 | 3,267 |
| December 2025 | 3,241 |
| November 2025 | 3,393 |
| October 2025 | 3,873 |
| September 2025 | 3,626 |
| August 2025 | 3,842 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Wakefield district over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for violence and sexual offences, public order, criminal damage and arson.
The largest increases were in robbery (+17%). The largest falls were in bicycle theft (-30%) and public order (-16%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 18,288 | 49.7 | 1.45 | -8% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 4,684 | 12.7 | 0.83 | -2% |
| Public order | 3,387 | 9.2 | 1.39 | -16% |
| Shoplifting | 3,204 | 8.7 | 1.05 | -11% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 3,189 | 8.7 | 1.28 | +1% |
| Other theft | 2,633 | 7.2 | 1.12 | -14% |
| Vehicle crime | 2,240 | 6.1 | 1.24 | -6% |
| Burglary | 1,562 | 4.2 | 1.20 | -11% |
| Other crime | 1,505 | 4.1 | 1.94 | +5% |
| Drugs | 1,253 | 3.4 | 1.04 | -1% |
| Robbery | 433 | 1.2 | 0.87 | +17% |
| Possession of weapons | 372 | 1.0 | 1.04 | +9% |
| Theft from the person | 230 | 0.6 | 0.37 | -14% |
| Bicycle theft | 150 | 0.4 | 0.50 | -30% |
Violence and sexual offences in Wakefield district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Wakefield district recorded 18,288 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (49.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 42.4% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Wakefield district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Wakefield district recorded 4,684 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (12.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 2% on the year before. It made up 10.9% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Wakefield district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Wakefield district recorded 3,387 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 16% on the year before. It made up 7.9% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Wakefield district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Wakefield district recorded 3,204 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 11% on the year before. It made up 7.4% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Wakefield district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Wakefield district recorded 3,189 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and up 1% on the year before. It made up 7.4% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Wakefield district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Wakefield district recorded 2,633 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.2 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 14% on the year before. It made up 6.1% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Wakefield district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Wakefield district recorded 2,240 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.1 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 6% on the year before. It made up 5.2% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Wakefield district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Wakefield district recorded 1,562 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 11% on the year before. It made up 3.6% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Wakefield district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Wakefield district recorded 1,505 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.1 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 3.5% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Wakefield district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Wakefield district recorded 1,253 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.4 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 2.9% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Wakefield district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Wakefield district recorded 433 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 17% on the year before. It made up 1.0% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Wakefield district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Wakefield district recorded 372 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.0 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 9% on the year before. It made up 0.9% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Wakefield district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Wakefield district recorded 230 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 14% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Wakefield district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Wakefield district recorded 150 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 30% on the year before. It made up 0.3% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Wakefield district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Wakefield district.
50 areas within Wakefield district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Wakefield East had the highest rate (227.8 per 1,000) and Netherton (Wakefield) the lowest (34.7). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakefield East | Neighbourhood | 17,083 | 3,891 | 227.8 |
| Castleford Central and Glasshoughton | Neighbourhood | 17,900 | 3,549 | 198.3 |
| Wakefield North | Neighbourhood | 19,142 | 3,312 | 173.0 |
| Wakefield West | Neighbourhood | 14,854 | 2,490 | 167.6 |
| Knottingley | Town | 8,996 | 1,499 | 166.6 |
| Wakefield | Town | 97,113 | 14,410 | 148.4 |
| Castleford | Town | 46,618 | 6,842 | 146.8 |
| Knottingley | Neighbourhood | 14,983 | 2,175 | 145.2 |
| Pontefract North | Neighbourhood | 20,228 | 2,887 | 142.7 |
| Hemsworth | Town | 9,936 | 1,374 | 138.3 |
| Wakefield South | Neighbourhood | 16,535 | 2,174 | 131.5 |
| South Kirkby | Town | 9,047 | 1,169 | 129.2 |
| Airedale and Ferry Fryston | Neighbourhood | 17,388 | 2,222 | 127.8 |
| Holmfield | Town | 4,552 | 581 | 127.6 |
| Featherstone | Neighbourhood | 18,506 | 2,288 | 123.6 |
| Pontefract | Town | 34,171 | 4,120 | 120.6 |
| Hemsworth | Neighbourhood | 17,246 | 2,058 | 119.3 |
| South Elmsall and South Kirkby | Neighbourhood | 19,436 | 2,293 | 118.0 |
| South Elmsall | Town | 11,790 | 1,345 | 114.1 |
| Featherstone (Wakefield) | Town | 12,664 | 1,405 | 110.9 |
| Normanton | Neighbourhood | 18,440 | 1,880 | 102.0 |
| Streethouse | Town | 1,696 | 166 | 97.9 |
| Fitzwilliam and Kinsley | Town | 3,931 | 383 | 97.4 |
| South Hiendley | Town | 1,814 | 172 | 94.8 |
| Middlestown and Overton | Town | 2,905 | 274 | 94.3 |
| Hall Green | Town | 1,619 | 145 | 89.6 |
| Normanton (Wakefield) | Town | 22,900 | 2,044 | 89.3 |
| Pontefract South | Neighbourhood | 15,544 | 1,354 | 87.1 |
| Wrenthorpe and Outwood West | Neighbourhood | 17,941 | 1,500 | 83.6 |
| Horbury | Town | 9,267 | 762 | 82.2 |
| Upton (Wakefield) | Town | 6,486 | 529 | 81.6 |
| Ossett | Neighbourhood | 16,549 | 1,326 | 80.1 |
| Bottom Boat | Town | 1,432 | 114 | 79.6 |
| Altofts and Whitwood | Neighbourhood | 18,569 | 1,450 | 78.1 |
| Stanley and Outwood East | Neighbourhood | 20,562 | 1,581 | 76.9 |
| Havercroft and Ryhill | Town | 4,688 | 359 | 76.6 |
| Darrington | Town | 1,601 | 121 | 75.6 |
| Horbury and South Ossett | Neighbourhood | 15,160 | 1,143 | 75.4 |
| Ossett | Town | 21,089 | 1,580 | 74.9 |
| Wakefield Rural | Neighbourhood | 17,859 | 1,283 | 71.8 |
| Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton | Neighbourhood | 18,141 | 1,290 | 71.1 |
| Crofton | Town | 6,699 | 440 | 65.7 |
| Notton (Wakefield) | Town | 1,232 | 80 | 64.9 |
| Crofton, Ryhill and Walton | Neighbourhood | 15,600 | 984 | 63.1 |
| Crigglestone and Durkar | Town | 5,236 | 324 | 61.9 |
| Ackworth Moor Top | Town | 6,656 | 387 | 58.1 |
| Low Ackworth | Town | 1,863 | 97 | 52.1 |
| Sharlston | Town | 1,330 | 68 | 51.1 |
| Walton (Wakefield) | Town | 2,981 | 105 | 35.2 |
| Netherton (Wakefield) | Town | 1,354 | 47 | 34.7 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Wakefield district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 1,102 |
| On or near Supermarket | 941 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 709 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 651 |
| On or near Havertop Lane | 438 |
| On or near Bus/Coach Station | 428 |
| On or near Tuke Grove | 357 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 355 |
| On or near A639 | 223 |
| On or near Colorado Way | 200 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Wakefield district over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 14,384 | 33.4% |
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 12,220 | 28.3% |
| Not recorded | 4,684 | 10.9% |
| Under investigation | 4,347 | 10.1% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 2,266 | 5.3% |
| Status update unavailable | 1,793 | 4.2% |
| Court result unavailable | 978 | 2.3% |
| Local resolution | 812 | 1.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 556 | 1.3% |
| Further action is not in the public interest | 554 | 1.3% |
| Offender given a caution | 353 | 0.8% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 110 | 0.3% |
Wakefield district has an estimated population of 367,666. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Wakefield district sits in decile 4.4, more deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Wakefield district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 18.7% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 62.2% |
| Aged 65 and over | 19.1% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 63.4% |
| Social rented homes | 21.7% |
| Private rented homes | 14.9% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 4.4 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 17.2% |
Is Wakefield district a safe place to live?
Wakefield district recorded 117.3 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, higher than the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Wakefield district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 18,288 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (4,684).
Is crime in Wakefield district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Wakefield district was down 7% on the year before: 43,130 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 46,446 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Wakefield district?
Wakefield district is policed by West Yorkshire. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Wakefield district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.