Wakefield leads West Yorkshire with largest decrease in crime rate
Thursday, December 04, 2025
Wakefield continues to take tough action against crime. The latest figures released by West Yorkshire Police show a significant decrease in crime rates across all areas of the district.
Between July and September this year, Wakefield district had the largest reduction in crime in West Yorkshire. There was a 29% drop, or 202 fewer offences compared to the same period in 2024.
This success follows strong collaboration between Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Police and local partners as part of the Community Safety Partnership. Which continues to take strong action and deliver high-impact initiatives to improve public safety.
“We’ve been working hard with our partners to deter and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Everyone should feel safe and supported wherever they are in our district. These figures show that the work we’ve been doing is starting to make a real difference.
“Just recently we’ve extended the Public Space Protection Order for Wakefield city centre so we can address issues such as street drinking, drug use and erratic behaviour that negatively impact our public spaces. We’ve also introduced a new district-wide PSPO to prevent people using vehicles in an anti-social manner. It’s a criminal offence not to comply with PSPOs.
“And that’s not all, increased use of CCTV, more Council enforcement officers on patrol, and more police officers on our streets have all had a positive impact to drive down crime.”
Cllr Daniel Wilton
Cabinet Member for Communities
Castleford saw the largest decrease compared to the same time last year. Offences halved – down from 101 to 49 between July and September. This improvement was largely due to a decrease in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour incidents.
Wakefield and Pontefract also both saw significant decreases, down 24% and 26% respectively.
Chief Inspector Emma Hooks, who leads on neighbourhood policing and partnerships across Wakefield district, said: “Our officers have shown outstanding commitment to keeping Wakefield’s communities safe. With extra patrols, additional staff, and a focused approach from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, we’ve delivered targeted operations and taken decisive action against offenders, including arrests and enforcement of Criminal Behaviour Orders.
“The increase in officer numbers has allowed us to respond to crimes and offenders more quickly, and the feedback from the public has been positive.
“This success is testament to the hard work and dedication of our police teams and the partnership’s approach to tackling crime in our communities.”
In addition, the Council has issued 19 Criminal Behaviour Orders since 1 April. As well as 101 Fixed Penalty Notices for offences including breaching PSPOs, littering, fly tipping and household waste offences.
Cllr Wilton added: “We may statistically be one of the safest places in West Yorkshire. But we are not complacent. Every crime that’s committed is one too many.
“There will always be more to do. We’ll continue to work with our partners so that our district can continue to be a great place to live, work and visit.”
Anti-social behaviour can be reported online via Live Chat, by using the relevant online reporting form or by calling 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency where there is a crime in progress or a threat to life.