Amber Valley Crime Rate

Amber Valley presents a crime rate of 81.8 per 1,000 people per year, placing it below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 80 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average of 78/100, suggesting a comparatively safer environment for its 130,451 residents. The area has experienced a stable trend in crime, with a slight decrease of 4.4% year-over-year. These figures provide a foundational understanding of the crime landscape in Amber Valley, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends within the district.

Amber Valley is a diverse local authority district in Derbyshire, encompassing a mix of market towns, suburban areas, and rural villages. With a population of over 130,000 residents, its characteristics contribute to its overall crime statistics. The presence of several distinct urban settlements like Heanor, Belper, and Ripley, alongside smaller, more rural communities, creates varied crime profiles across the district. Commercial centres within these towns, coupled with residential neighbourhoods and transport links, naturally experience different types of criminal activity. Economic factors, such as employment opportunities and local deprivation levels, can also influence crime rates, particularly property-related offences. While Amber Valley benefits from strong community ties in many areas, the varied population density and activities, including local nightlife and retail, mean that crime patterns are not uniform. This complex interplay of urban and rural features, economic conditions, and population dynamics helps to explain why Amber Valley maintains a safety score above the national average, yet still experiences certain crime challenges.

An examination of crime types in Amber Valley reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant proportion, accounting for 42.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 34.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue, making up 15.8% of crimes (12.9 per 1,000), while Public order offences represent 9.2% (7.5 per 1,000).

Focusing on property-related crime, Amber Valley has a rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences including burglary (2.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.5 per 1,000), and other theft (4.6 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, this lower property crime rate suggests a reduced overall risk compared to many other areas. However, vigilance regarding general theft and criminal damage remains important, highlighting the need for proactive security measures.

Amber Valley has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 4.4% in total crimes year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The latter half of 2024 saw crime rates at 7.4 in October and a dip to 5.6 in November, before rising to 6.8 in December. Entering 2025, January recorded 6.2, followed by another dip to 5.6 in February, and then an increase to 6.8 in March. The spring and summer months of 2025 generally showed higher activity, peaking in July at 7.9 per 1,000, with May and June also showing elevated figures of 7.6 and 7.7 respectively. Towards the end of the period, August and September saw rates of 6.8 and 6.4. This data indicates seasonal fluctuations, with a slight increase in crime during the warmer months, but the overall year-on-year trend remains stable with a minor reduction.

When comparing Amber Valley to its neighbouring areas, a clearer regional safety context emerges. Amber Valley's overall crime rate of 81.8 per 1,000 and safety score of 80/100 position it favourably against some, but not all, of its local counterparts. For instance, while Amber Valley generally maintains a good safety standing, areas like Derby might present different crime profiles due to their larger urban characteristics. Similarly, Erewash, North East Derbyshire, Broxtowe, Ashfield, and Derbyshire Dales each have their unique crime statistics. Residents considering these areas for living or working will find Amber Valley's figures offer a competitive level of safety, particularly its lower property crime rate compared to the UK average. Understanding these local comparisons helps residents make informed decisions about their safety and security within the broader region.

Given Amber Valley's property crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people, residents may wish to consider robust home security solutions. Traditional security systems often provide footage after an incident, recording a burglary rather than preventing it. For those seeking a proactive approach, advanced systems like scOS offer a different level of protection.

scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than after a break-in has occurred. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you after the fact, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on real threats, avoiding false alarms. When a threat is detected, an autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise and deter potential intruders. For homeowners in Amber Valley, considering professional-grade equipment like scOS can significantly enhance property protection, making the crucial 60-second decision for burglars an easy one: they move on.