Most violence, burglary and vehicle crime in England and Wales happens after dark. ONS survey data show 54% of violent incidents, about three in five domestic burglaries and 80% of vehicle crime took place between 6pm and 6am. Violence also clusters at weekends. Pickpocketing and robbery lean the other way: they happen mostly in daylight, especially the afternoon.
Updated 28 September 2026 · Sources: ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales analysis (years ending March 2017, 2018 and 2020), College of Policing, Youth Endowment Fund, GOV.UK
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Crime timing at a glance
These figures come from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which asks people about crimes they experienced, including when they happened. The ONS\'s most recent written analysis of timing dates from 2017 to 2020, so treat the percentages as the typical pattern rather than this year\'s exact figures. For the latest totals, see is crime going up or down in the UK.
Key: share of incidents in the evening or at night (6pm to 6am), England and Wales. Vehicle crime: ONS 2020. Wounding and all violence: ONS, year to March 2018. Burglary = domestic burglary in a home, ONS, year to March 2017.
What time of day does most crime happen?
It depends on the crime. Violence, burglary and vehicle crime mostly happen after 6pm: 54% of violent incidents, about 60% of domestic burglaries and 80% of vehicle crime, according to ONS survey data. Theft from the person is the exception. Around half of pickpocketing and snatch thefts happen in the afternoon, between noon and 6pm, and robbery happens mostly in daylight.
A day in crime: when each risk peaks
6am to 6pm: less than half of violence
Noon to 6pm: pickpockets and snatch thieves
4pm to 8pm: after school
6pm onwards: the main window for violence and property crime
Late nights at the weekend: the most serious violence
Is crime worse at the weekend?
For violence, yes. The ONS found 44% of violent incidents happened at the weekend, which is only two days of the week. That works out at roughly 22% per weekend day against about 11% per weekday, so an average Saturday or Sunday sees about twice as much violence. Burglary is spread fairly evenly, and vehicle crime is slightly more of a weekday crime.
Weekday or weekend? A crime-by-crime scorecard
▲ red = more likely on a weekend day, ▬ amber = similar, ▼ green = less likely. Our comparison divides each share by the number of days (5 or 2). Sources: ONS, violence year to March 2018, burglary year to March 2017, theft from the person and vehicle crime 2020 (via College of Policing).
Is crime higher in summer or winter?
Overall, crime tends to be higher in summer, when more people are out late. The Youth Endowment Fund notes one twist: violence involving children can dip during the summer holidays and rise again when schools go back in autumn. Winter brings a different risk. From 25 October 2026, when the clocks go back, more of the evening commute happens in the dark.
When are burglaries most likely?
In the evening and at night. The ONS found about three in five domestic burglaries happened between 6pm and 6am, spread fairly evenly across the week. Being home is no guarantee: in over half of burglaries where the burglar got inside, someone was in. Around 70% of burglars came in through a door, so lock doors even when you\'re in.
When does phone snatching and pickpocketing happen?
Mostly in daylight. Around half of thefts from the person happen between noon and 6pm, typically in the street, in shops or on public transport, and younger adults aged 16 to 34 are the most likely victims. Busy afternoons, not dark alleys, are the main risk. Our guide to phone snatching covers the habits that help.
What it means for you
Timing is only half the picture; place matters too. Check the streets you use with our guide to checking crime in your area or the Safety App UK postcode checker. For late journeys, see walking home alone at night and night buses and late trains.
Myths vs facts
- Myth: “Crime only happens at night.” Fact: Around half of thefts from the person happen in the afternoon, and robbery is mostly a daylight crime.
- Myth: “Burglars only target empty homes.” Fact: In over half of burglaries where the burglar got in, someone was at home.
- Myth: “Violence is spread evenly through the week.” Fact: An average weekend day sees about twice as many violent incidents as an average weekday.
Frequently asked questions
The ONS still collects timing data every year, but its most recent written analysis of when crimes happen covers 2017 to 2020. Patterns can shift: the evening and night share of violence fell from 65% in the year to March 2008 to 54% in the year to March 2018.
No. They come from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own crime surveys.
The clocks go back on 25 October 2026, so more of the evening happens in the dark. Most burglary and vehicle crime already happens after 6pm, so it\'s a good time to check your locks, lights and route home.
Head somewhere busy and well lit, like an open shop. If you\'re in danger, call 999. If you think someone is following you, see what to do if you\'re being followed.
Sources
- ONS: The nature of violent crime in England and Wales, year ending March 2018
- ONS: Overview of burglary and other household theft
- ONS: Overview of robbery and theft from the person
- College of Policing: The nature of neighbourhood crime
- Youth Endowment Fund: Violence is more likely at certain times of day, week and year
- GOV.UK: When do the clocks change?
General information, not legal advice. Figures are survey estimates for England and Wales and describe typical patterns, not the risk on any one street. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep reading
Heading out after dark? Take a safer route
Safety App UK shows a live safety map built from police data and community reports, plus police stations and Ask for Angela venues, and suggests safer routes. If something goes wrong, trigger an SOS by button, shake or automatically in higher-crime zones to send your live location and live video to your trusted circle. Safe Zone alerts tell them when you arrive. It does not call the emergency services. Free for 7 days, then £2.99 a month. For ages 16+.