Halifax is considered one of the most dangerous areas in West Yorkshire and has one of the highest crime rates, as per the statistics we have from some of the most trusted and authorised platforms.
Undoubtedly, Halifax is one of the important areas in West Yorkshire and contributes to the economy, but the crime rate here is affecting both its economy and reputation.
At Guard Mark Security, we have been writing about the crime rates in the UK for a long time, and today, we are going to discuss the crime rates and the most dangerous areas in Halifax.
So, without wasting any time, let’s start with the overall crime rates in Halifax to get an overview, and then we’ll discuss the crime rates in the top wards of Halifax.
Key Takeaways
- High Crime Rate: Halifax records a crime rate of 157.52 crimes per 1,000 people, based on the latest data.
- Rising Offences: In 2024 alone, Halifax experienced nearly 13,914 criminal offences.
- Worst areas in Halifax: 9 high-crime areas including Ovenden, Illingworth and Mixenden, Warley, Park, and Town.
- National Comparison: Halifax currently has the highest crime rate compared to major UK cities such as the City of London, Tower Hamlets, Camden, and Liverpool.
- The most common and prominent crimes in Halifax are violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and criminal damage and arson.
- Stay Safe: Use guards, CCTV, alarms, vacant property, and keyholding.
- Security Services: Guard Mark Security offers expert protection in West Yorkshire.
- Source: Crime Rates
- Key Takeaways
- What’s the overall crime rate in Halifax?
- Crimes by Type in Halifax (Year Ending Sep 2024)
- Revealed: Top 9 Most Dangerous Areas in Halifax
- Halifax Crime Comparison with Other Major Cities of the UK
- How Have We Sourced This Data?
- Safety Tips for Business and Residential Properties
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Hire the Best Security Guarding Services in Halifax, West Yorkshire
- Conclusion
What’s the overall crime rate in Halifax?
Halifax is one of the major areas in West Yorkshire and is mostly known for its historical significance, cultural and architectural landmarks, industry and commerce, and some other notable aspects, including Rugby League, “Gentleman Jack” Filming Location, and more.
But alongside its charm, Halifax is also facing growing concerns around crime.
Crime Rate Snapshot:
According to the most recent data:
| Year | Crime Rate (per 1,000 people) | Total Reported Offences |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 175.48 | 15,501 |
| 2023 | 172.75 | 15,260 |
| 2024 | 157.52 | 13,914 |
While there has been a slight decrease in the crime rate over the past two years, Halifax still ranks as one of the most dangerous areas in West Yorkshire.
Halifax vs. West Yorkshire:
| Location | Crime Rate (per 1,000 people) |
|---|---|
| Halifax | 157.52 |
| West Yorkshire | 119.26 |
Crimes by Type in Halifax (Year Ending Sep 2024)
Here is the list of crimes by type that happened in Halifax in the last 12 months:
| Crime Type | Number of Offences/Incidents |
|---|---|
| Violence and Sexual Offences | 6,453 |
| Public Order | 1,471 |
| Criminal Damage and Arson | 1,167 |
| Shoplifting | 1,046 |
| Anti-Social Behaviour | 1,091 |
| Other Theft | 960 |
| Vehicle Crime | 732 |
| Drugs | 625 |
| Burglary | 620 |
| Other Crime | 463 |
| Possession of Weapons | 141 |
| Theft from the Person | 115 |
| Robbery | 90 |
| Bicycle Theft | 31 |
Violence and sexual offences are some of the crime types people in Halifax face the most. Now that we have the overall crime rates in Halifax, let’s discuss the most dangerous areas in Halifax to get a clearer picture for better understanding.
Revealed: Top 9 Most Dangerous Areas in Halifax
Here is the list of the top and worst areas in Halifax:
1- Ovenden
223 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 2,108 Total Criminal Incidents
Ovenden is one of the major wards in Halifax, mostly known for its historical significance, local community and culture, notable residents, and some other points of interest, including Ovenden Wind Farm and Proximity to Halifax.
When looking at the crime rates, Ovenden has the highest crime rate and the number of crimes that happened in the area in the last 12 months. The overall crime rate here is 223 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the most dangerous ward in the whole of Halifax.
Moreover, when looking at the most recent and fresh batch of data, Ovenden has faced almost 2,108 criminal offences and incidents in the last 12 months year ending September 2024.
The most recent crimes that happened in Ovenden include violence and sexual offences, other theft, and public order offences.
2- Illingworth and Mixenden
156 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 1,631 Total Criminal Incidents
Illingworth and Mixenden are located in the northwest of the Halifax City Centre and are famous for their historical and industrial background, geographical and environmental features, community and local life, and demographics.
When looking at the overall crime rate in Illingworth and Mixenden, it is 156 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the 2nd worst area in Halifax. Moreover, the police have recorded almost 1,631 criminal incidents and offences in the last 12 months.
The most common and prominent criminal offences in Illingworth and Mixenden include violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and vehicle crime offences.
3- Warley
153 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 1,469 Total Criminal Incidents
Warley is one of the major areas and is located in the West and northwest of Halifax. It is well-known and famous for its historical significance and character, notable landmarks and features, notable residents, geography and setting, community and amenities, and more.
The crime hot spots in Warley are 153 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the 3rd most dangerous area in Halifax. Moreover, the area has faced almost 1,469 criminal offences and incidents, as per the most recent batch of data.
When looking at the most prominent crimes in Warley, they include violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and criminal damage and arson.
4- Park
148 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 2,651 Total Criminal Incidents
Park is one of the famous wards in Halifax, mostly known for its multicultural community, Calderdale College, historical development, retail and industrial mix, community spirit, and heritage buildings.
When looking at the Crime trends in Park, it is 148 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the high-crime cities in Halifax. Additionally, the area has faced almost 2,651 criminal offences and incidents.
High-incidence crimes in Park are violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and drug offences.
5- Town
144 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 4,259 Total Criminal Incidents
The town is one of the famous wards in Halifax, known for the Piece Hall, Halifax Minster, Borough Market, Dean Clough Business Park, Shopping and Commerce, Cultural Venues, Sporting Connections, and Transportation Hubs.
When looking at the overall crime rate in Town, it is 144 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Halifax. Moreover, the most recent and fresh batch of data shows us that the area has faced almost 4,259 criminal offences and incidents in the last 12 months.
When looking at the Common types of crime in Town, include violence and sexual offences, shoplifting incidents, and public order offences.
6- Skircoat
92 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 1,301 Total Criminal Incidents
Skircoat is one of the top-rated areas in Halifax, known for the Skircoat Green, Calderdale Royal Hospital, Spring Hall, Skircoat Green Conservation Area, Local Amenities, Residential Character, and more.
The crime risk factors in Skircoat indicate 92 crimes per 1,000 people, and the area has experienced nearly 1,301 criminal offences and incidents over the past 12 months, according to the latest data.
The major crime categories in Skircoat include violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and other thefts.
7- Luddendenfoot
91 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 800 Total Criminal Incidents
Luddendenfoot is one of the famous villages in Calderdale, mostly known for its Confluence of Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Luddendenfoot Railway Station, Poetic Inspiration, Local Community, and Proximity to Luddenden Village.
When discussing the crime reporting in Luddendenfoot, it is 91 crimes per 1,000 people, and the statistics show that the police have recorded almost 800 criminal offences and incidents in the last 12 months.
The Prominent criminal activities in Luddendenfoot are violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and vehicle crime offences.
8- Sowerby Bridge
89 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 937 Total Criminal Incidents
Sowerby Bridge is well known and famous for a variety of things, including Its Location at the Confluence, Industrial Heritage, Filming Location, Sowerby Bridge Wharf, Rushbearing Festival, Sowerby Bridge Market, Notable Residents, and Architectural Heritage.
When talking about the overall crime rate in Sowerby Bridge, it is 89 crimes per 1,000 people, making it slightly dangerous in Halifax. Moreover, the residents of the area have faced almost 937 criminal offences and incidents in the last 12 months year ending September 2024.
The most common and prominent crimes in Sowerby Bridge are violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and criminal damage and arson.
9- Northowram and Shelf
86 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 748 Total Criminal Incidents
Northowram and Shelf is one of the high-traffic wards in Halifax and is famous for its Historical Township, St. Matthew’s Church, Industrial Past, Shelf Old Hall, Notable Residents, and more.
When talking about the regional crime data in Northowram and Shelf, it is 86 crimes per 1,000 people, and the residents have faced almost 748 criminal and illegal offences in the last 12 months, as per the most recent and fresh batch of data we have.
Moreover, when discussing the most prominent criminal activities that happened in Northowram and Shelf in the last 12 months, they’re violence and sexual offences, vehicle crime offences, and burglary incidents.
Halifax Crime Comparison with Other Major Cities of the UK
When compared with some other major cities of the UK, including the City of London, Tower Hamlets, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, and more, Halifax’s crime rate is the highest among them. Here is the crime rate comparison with the crime rates and safety comparison:
| City | Crime Rate (Per 1,000 People) | Safety Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| City of London | 28.93 | 82% safer than Halifax |
| Tower Hamlets | 98.60 | 37% safer than Halifax |
| Sheffield | 102.94 | 35% safer than Halifax |
| Camden | 108.07 | 31% safer than Halifax |
| Nottingham | 110.86 | 30% safer than Halifax |
| Liverpool | 124.42 | 21% safer than Halifax |
| Birmingham | 128.63 | 18% safer than Halifax |
| Bristol | 130.84 | 17% safer than Halifax |
| Westminster | 132.94 | 16% safer than Halifax |
| Leeds | 139.98 | 11% safer than Halifax |
| Halifax | 157.52 | – |
How Have We Sourced This Data?
At Guard Mark Security, we always try our best to provide the most trusted and authentic data to ensure you get everything legit. To write the article on the most dangerous areas in Halifax, we have analysed and sourced all statistics from “Crime Rate”.
Crime Rate is one of the most legitimate platforms that provides the crime rates and statistics of the different regions, cities, and towns in the UK. You can visit their website by clicking on the provided link and ensure all the data and statistics we have provided are true and legitimate.
Source: Crime Rates
Safety Tips for Business and Residential Properties
For Residential Properties
- Criminal damage and arson are among the biggest issues in Halifax that need urgent attention. If you are a homeowner, try locking doors all the time, and do not provide any opportunity for the criminals to damage your property.
- Install CCTV cameras and connect them to your mobile phones so that no matter where you are, you can constantly keep an eye on your property.
- You can install advanced motion detectors and alarm systems that will send you an alert message if anyone tries to break into your house.
- When going on vacation, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your house. Moreover, you can turn on the lights to give the impression that someone is still in the house.
For Business Properties
- Hire keyholding services for your business to ensure a quick and prompt response no matter if it’s nighttime, a holiday, or a weekend.
- Business properties are the ones that are most vulnerable to real threats. If you are the one, hire professional and reliable security guards in the first moment.
- Ask your security guards to keep patrolling during both working and non-working hours to ensure the complete security of your establishment and assets.
- Install CCTV cameras and hire a CCTV monitoring officer to ensure your property is being watched 24/7.
- Install the highly advanced alarm systems in your business establishment and activate them during non-working hours so you get alert notifications in case an alarm is triggered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the major cause of increased crime rates in Halifax?
There are many socioeconomic causes of increased crime rates in Halifax. For instance, the unemployment rate in Halifax is more than the national average, which is one of the major causes of the increased crime rate here.
Moreover, if we observe the crime statistics closely, the crime rate suddenly increased in 2022, which is right after the pandemic. This means the economy was disturbed very badly at that time, and the recession caused an increase in the crime rates in Halifax.
What community initiatives are taking place to control the crime rate in Halifax?
There are several initiatives and schemes introduced by the police and the West Yorkshire government to reduce the crime rate in Halifax. Some of the best initiatives include the “Clear, Hold, Build” programme launched by West Yorkshire Police, the Halifax Way community crime prevention group, the Safe Places Scheme, and more.
After the initiative of these schemes in Halifax, we have witnessed a clear decline in the crime rates. But still, the crime rate here is higher than West Yorkshire’s crime rate, which is alarming and creating trouble for everyone.
Which is the most dangerous area in Halifax?
Ovenden is the most dangerous and worst area in Halifax when talking about the crime rates and illegal activities. The overall crime rate in Ovenden is 223 crimes per 1,000 people, and the residents have faced almost 2,108 criminal offences and incidents in the last 12 months year ending September 2024.
Which is the safest area in Halifax?
Northowram and Shelf is the ward that is safest in Halifax as compared to others, including Ovenden, Illingworth and Mixenden, Warley, Park, and Town. The overall crime rate in Northowram and Shelf is 86 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the safest area in Halifax.
Is Halifax, West Yorkshire, Safe?
Halifax undoubtedly is one of the most dangerous areas in West Yorkshire. If you are looking to move to the UK and have Halifax is the list as well, we will suggest you select the safer areas like the City of London, Camden, or Tower Hamlets. Those areas also have a crime rate, but way lower than Halifax.
What types of crimes are most common in Halifax?
The most common crimes in Halifax are:
1- Violence and Sexual Offences (6,453 offences)
2- Public Order Offences (1,471 offences)
3- Criminal Damage and Arson (1,167 incidents)
4- Anti-Social Behaviour (1,091 incidents)
5- Shoplifting (1,046 offences)
Has crime in Halifax increased or decreased in recent years?
Crime in Halifax has been decreasing slightly in recent years. The crime rate peaked in 2022 at 175.48 crimes per 1,000 people (15,501 criminal offences), decreased slightly to 172.75 in 2023 (15,260 offences), and has further decreased to 157.52 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024.
What security measures are recommended for businesses in Halifax?
Given the high crime rates, businesses in Halifax should consider professional security services such as security guarding, CCTV monitoring, mobile CCTV towers, door supervision, mobile patrol services, and keyholding services.
It’s recommended to hire SIA-licenced and BS 7858-vetted security personnel to ensure the protection of business establishments, employees, customers, and assets.
What is the economic impact of high crime rates on Halifax’s business community?
The high crime rates in Halifax negatively impact the local business community through increased security costs, higher insurance premiums, property damage expenses, and reduced customer traffic in high-crime areas.
What safety precautions should visitors to Halifax take?
Visitors to Halifax should take several safety precautions, including avoiding the highest crime areas like Ovenden and parts of the Town ward, especially after dark.
It’s advisable to secure valuables, use reputable accommodations with good security measures, and be vigilant in crowded areas to prevent theft from the person.
Hire the Best Security Guarding Services in Halifax, West Yorkshire
If you are a business owner worried about the increasing crime rates in Halifax and looking for security guarding services to ensure the safety and protection of your business, you are in the perfect place.
At Guard Mark Security, we have been providing security guarding services for more than a decade in West Yorkshire and have helped multiple businesses secure their establishment, employees, customers, and assets in the best manner.
No matter if you are looking for security guarding services, CCTV monitoring officers, mobile CCTV tower services, door supervision services, mobile patrol services, keyholding services, or any other service that falls in the security industry, we have got you covered in all aspects.
Additionally, at Guard Mark Security, we are offering keyholding services for just £1 per day. Grab this opportunity now and secure your business establishment with our quick response team, which is highly professional and qualified.
All our security guards and CCTV monitoring officers are well-trained, professional, SIA licenced, and vetted as per BS 7858 standards, ensuring complete trustworthiness and authenticity.
If you have any questions related to our services, our professional and well-educated customer support team is here all the time. Contact us now, and we will help you secure your business establishment in the best manner.
Conclusion
Halifax is one of the most dangerous areas in West Yorkshire, and it has an overall crime rate of 157.52 crimes per 1,000 people. In 2024, we have seen a slight decline in the crime rates of Halifax but still, the overall crime rate here is higher than the overall crime rate of West Yorkshire.
There are different precautions and schemes being introduced by the West Yorkshire police and government that are helping lower the crime rates here. So, if you are a business owner, concerned about the safety and security of your business establishment and assets. Contact Guard Mark Security now, and hire our highly qualified security guards to protect your business premises in the best manner.
