As we move through 2025, Wakefield continues to see significant efforts aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the city. The first quarter of the year has seen positive progress, with a focus on key initiatives like Operation Moralmoor, which have been instrumental in reducing crime in Wakefield’s city centre and surrounding areas. Wakefield remains one of the safest districts in West Yorkshire, thanks to the dedicated work of the local police.
Crime Figures: February and March 2025
| Ward | Crime Type | February 2025 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakefield North (Ward 17) | Residential Burglary | 4 | 5 |
| Business Burglary | 7 | 4 | |
| Theft from Motor Vehicle | 1 | 12 | |
| Theft of Motor Vehicle | 5 | 6 | |
| Robbery | 3 | 5 | |
| Wakefield East (Ward 16) | Residential Burglary | 5 | 13 |
| Business Burglary | 0 | 2 | |
| Theft from Motor Vehicle | 2 | 11 | |
| Theft of Motor Vehicle | 4 | 2 | |
| Robbery | 4 | 3 | |
| Wakefield West (Ward 20) | Residential Burglary | 1 | 5 |
| Business Burglary | 4 | 2 | |
| Theft from Motor Vehicle | 6 | 6 | |
| Theft of Motor Vehicle | 6 | 5 | |
| Robbery | 1 | 3 |
A Positive Start to 2025: Reducing Crime and ASB
The efforts of local police continue to make a positive impact across Wakefield. Operation Moralmoor has played a key role in reducing retail crime, and we’ve seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the city centre and neighbouring areas. These initiatives are making Wakefield one of the safest places in West Yorkshire.
Inspector Fraser has provided an update on the progress so far:
“The NPT Central Cluster continues to see real gains in our efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the wards. Operation Moralmoor has delivered huge gains in the City Centre and that work has positively impacted the neighbouring communities through expeditious investigations and robust outcomes.
We have seen the continued decline in retail crime ensuring Wakefield remains to be a national outlier, gaining us much media attention. This has delivered an equal amount of reduction in reported ASB – we know offenders are involved in both crime and ASB, so it makes sense that one impacts the other.
As we now enter the school Easter holidays, we are introducing further engagement and proactive tactics ensuring we don’t suffer the seasonal increase in youth related ASB and we remain optimistic that the team’s new beat allocations with their increased engagement will ensure effective partnership delivery of diversionary opportunities. The team has been busier than ever across the first quarter of 2025, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our elected members for working alongside our officers and supervisors in producing a partnership that is unrivalled.”
Working Together for a Safer Wakefield
While the police continue to lead the efforts to reduce crime and ASB, Wakefield BID continues to work alongside them, supporting initiatives and ensuring that businesses have the resources they need to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Our role as a business improvement district is to support the wider community and ensure that Wakefield remains a vibrant, safe, and thriving city centre.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“Wakefield BID works in partnership with many organisations, including West Yorkshire Police, to ensure our city centre remains a safe and attractive place for everyone. The reduction in crime and ASB is a great reflection of the work being done by the police, and we remain committed to supporting their efforts and keeping Wakefield a place where people feel secure.”
Looking Ahead: Tackling Seasonal ASB
With the Easter holidays approaching, the police are taking proactive steps to prevent any increase in youth-related ASB. These measures, including increased engagement with the community and diversionary tactics, aim to keep the city centre secure and reduce the impact of ASB during this busy period.
Wakefield BID will continue to provide support where possible, ensuring that the police’s efforts are backed up by community engagement and the resources businesses need. Together, we can keep Wakefield a safe and welcoming place for all.
