Bolsover Crime Rate

Bolsover recorded a crime rate of 83.7 per 1,000 residents over the past year, placing it 8% below the UK average. While this makes it one of the safer areas in the region, the data reveals a nuanced picture: public order and criminal damage are higher than national averages. For residents, this means daily life is generally secure, but vigilance in public spaces and community areas is prudent.

Bolsover is a mix of urban and rural communities, with a strong sense of local identity. Its diverse population includes families, commuters, and retirees, which shapes its crime profile. The area’s rural pockets, like Glapwell, see lower crime due to lower population density, while urban centres like Bolsover town face higher anti-social behaviour and public order issues linked to local events and community hubs. Economic factors, such as the presence of industrial sites, may contribute to property crime in certain sub-areas, though overall rates remain below the UK average.

The most striking finding in Bolsover’s crime data is the 13% above-average rate for public order offences, which likely stems from the area’s community-focused events and public spaces. While violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type, their rate is 5% above the UK average but has decreased by 8% year-on-year, possibly due to targeted local initiatives. Criminal damage and arson, at 10% above the UK average, may reflect the presence of older housing stock in some areas. Shoplifting has fallen by 25% YoY, linked to improved retail security measures in Bolsover’s main shopping areas.

Crime in Bolsover has shown a stable -4.9% year-on-year decline, with most categories decreasing slightly. However, robbery has surged by 114% YoY, an anomaly that may reflect isolated incidents or shifts in criminal activity. Monthly trends reveal a peak in July 2025 (8.0 per 1,000/month), likely linked to summer tourism and increased outdoor activity, followed by a dip in January 2026. This seasonal pattern aligns with typical fluctuations in public spaces but contrasts with the sharp rise in robbery, which defies usual trends and may require further analysis.

Compared to nearby areas, Bolsover’s crime rate of 83.7 per 1,000 is 22% lower than North East Derbyshire, the region’s safest area. Conversely, Chesterfield has a 45% higher crime rate, likely due to its larger population and more concentrated urban environment. Rural Bolsover’s rate is 4% below the local average, reflecting the lower population density and fewer public spaces in these areas.

For residents concerned about public order and criminal damage, scOS’s AI-powered perimeter detection can provide an added layer of security. By distinguishing between routine activity and potential threats, the system can alert homeowners to suspicious behaviour near properties. Its autonomous deterrence features—such as automated lighting and speaker activation—are particularly effective in areas with higher anti-social behaviour rates, as they can disrupt incidents before they escalate. Since Bolsover’s property crime rate is 23.2% below the UK average, scOS’s proactive approach aligns well with the area’s existing safety measures.

How To Keep Safe in Bolsover

Residents should focus on areas with higher public order rates, such as town centres, by staying aware of crowds and using well-lit routes. For criminal damage concerns, securing outdoor spaces with fences or motion sensors may deter vandals. Given the rising robbery rate, avoid displaying valuables in vehicles, especially in rural areas where opportunistic crimes can occur. Community engagement, such as supporting local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, remains a key strategy for maintaining Bolsover’s overall safety profile.