Heage Crime Rate

Heage's most striking finding is the 300% year-on-year increase in 'Other theft', despite its overall crime rate remaining 70% below the UK average. This category, which includes parcel theft and unsecured goods, has risen sharply, likely linked to online shopping trends. Heage's safety score of 92/100 highlights its status as one of the UK's safest areas, with property crime rates 84% below the national average.

Heage is a small built-up area in Amber Valley, characterised by its compact residential and commercial mix. Its low population and proximity to Derbyshire's rural expanses likely contribute to its low crime rates. The area's tight-knit community and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for theft and anti-social behaviour, while its location near major roads could explain the small but stable vehicle crime rate.

The most striking finding is the 300% year-on-year increase in 'Other theft' — a sharp rise despite Heage's rate still being 53% below the UK average. This category likely includes parcel theft or unsecured goods, possibly linked to rising online shopping trends. Violence and sexual offences, though 19% higher YoY, remain 45% below the UK average, likely due to the area's low population density and limited nightlife. Public order crimes also dropped 50% YoY, possibly reflecting effective local policing. Property crime, at 5.0 per 1,000, is 84% below the UK average, likely due to the area's small size and low commercial activity, which reduces burglary opportunities.

Heage's crime rate decreased by 19.1% year-on-year, with the most significant change being a 300% rise in 'Other theft'. This category, which likely includes parcel theft, saw a sharp increase despite remaining 53% below the UK average. The overall decrease may be due to a 66.7% drop in burglary and a 75% reduction in criminal damage. The peak in November (6.4 per 1,000/month) aligns with seasonal factors, such as increased online shopping during the holiday period. However, the rise in 'Other theft' suggests a need for targeted prevention strategies in this category.

How To Keep Safe in Heage

For the 300% YoY rise in 'Other theft', secure parcels with tracking services and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Heage's low crime rate means general vigilance is minimal, but securing deliveries in high-traffic areas (e.g. near retail zones) is advisable. For the small number of vehicle crimes, park in well-lit areas and use immobilisers. Given Heage's safety score of 92/100, community engagement — like joining local Neighbourhood Watch — can further reinforce the area's already strong safety profile.

Crime in Heage follows distinct daily patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with commuter activity and retail hours. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (12am–6am), likely due to unoccupied properties and limited street lighting. Burglary is most common in the evening (6pm–12am), possibly tied to returning residents and increased visibility. Nighttime also sees a rise in 'Other' crimes, which may include vandalism or disorder, though the low overall rate suggests these remain rare.

Compared to Belper (56.4 per 1,000) and Ripley (Amber Valley) (127.3 per 1,000), Heage is significantly safer. Its lower population and limited commercial activity likely reduce opportunities for theft and anti-social behaviour, unlike the more densely populated areas nearby.

In Heage's very safe environment, proactive security measures like scOS can enhance existing safety. Its AI-powered system detects threats at property perimeters, distinguishing between regular deliveries and intruders. For the rare instances of 'Other theft' — which has risen 300% YoY — scOS's real-time alerts and perimeter monitoring offer targeted deterrence without overcomplicating daily life in this low-crime area.