Chesterfield Crime Rate

Chesterfield's crime profile reveals a complex picture shaped by its urban-rural duality. While the overall rate of 121.0 per 1,000 residents is 33% above the UK average, the town's most striking anomaly is its public order crime rate—66% above the national average. This suggests that Chesterfield's commercial and residential areas may be experiencing higher concentrations of transient populations or unregulated gatherings. Vehicle crime has surged by 38% YoY, indicating a potential shift in criminal activity patterns despite the category's still-low rate compared to the UK average.

Chesterfield, a historic market town in Derbyshire, blends urban and rural characteristics, influencing its crime profile. The town's mix of industrial heritage, retail hubs, and suburban sprawl creates varied crime patterns. Urban centres like Chesterfield itself see higher public order and anti-social behaviour incidents, likely linked to commercial activity and nightlife. Conversely, rural areas like Rural Chesterfield face elevated crime rates, possibly due to isolation and limited surveillance. The presence of multiple sub-areas, such as Staveley (Chesterfield) and Barrow Hill, reflects differing socioeconomic conditions—Staveley's lower crime rate may benefit from tighter community networks, while Barrow Hill's higher rate could stem from transient populations or under-resourced public spaces. These geographic and demographic contrasts help explain Chesterfield's complex crime profile.

Chesterfield's most surprising crime statistic is its public order rate, 66% above the UK average (10.5 vs 6.3 per 1,000). This likely reflects the town's mix of bustling commercial areas and quieter residential zones, where public spaces may see higher concentrations of transient individuals or unregulated events. Violence and sexual offences, 54% above the UK average (49.3 vs 32.1 per 1,000), may correlate with Chesterfield's historical role as a transport hub, where transient populations and late-night activity could contribute to elevated incidents. Anti-social behaviour (20.9 per 1,000, 42% above UK average) aligns with urban areas where high foot traffic and alcohol consumption might exacerbate disputes. Vehicle crime has surged by 38% YoY (4.4 per 1,000), despite remaining below the UK average. This could reflect increased car ownership or targeted thefts in parking areas near retail centres. The contrast with lower burglary rates (3.6 per 1,000, 9% above UK average) suggests that property crime is more opportunistic than systemic, with offenders targeting vulnerable locations rather than widespread housebreaking.

Chesterfield's crime rate has remained stable (-0.7% YoY), but significant shifts are emerging. Vehicle crime has surged by 38.1% YoY, a stark contrast to other categories like shoplifting (-8% YoY) and public order (-13% YoY). This spike in vehicle crime may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased car usage during the winter months or targeted thefts near retail centres. The monthly trend shows a peak in March 2025 (12.2 per 1,000/month) and a drop in February 2026 (8.7 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by longer evenings and tourism patterns. While the overall rate is stable, the divergence in specific crime types suggests evolving criminal activity patterns, with vehicle crime becoming a growing concern despite remaining below the UK average.

Chesterfield's crime rate (121.0 per 1,000) is significantly higher than nearby areas like North East Derbyshire (68.6 per 1,000) and Bolsover (83.7 per 1,000), which have 76% and 45% lower rates respectively. This contrast may stem from Chesterfield's larger urban footprint and more diverse population. Conversely, areas like Staveley (Chesterfield) and Brimington have much lower crime rates (71.5 and 75.9 per 1,000), suggesting that suburban and smaller community areas in Chesterfield benefit from different socioeconomic dynamics compared to the town centre.

For Chesterfield residents facing elevated public order crime (66% above UK average), proactive security solutions like scOS can make a tangible difference. The system's AI-powered boundary monitoring watches all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats before they reach a property. This is particularly relevant in Chesterfield, where vehicle crime has surged by 38% YoY—scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification can flag suspicious vehicles approaching properties. The system's behavioural pattern learning distinguishes between household members and intruders, reducing false alarms. With cameras connected via ethernet, not Wi-Fi, scOS ensures reliability even in areas with fluctuating network coverage. At £19/month, it offers a scalable, intelligent response to Chesterfield's specific crime risks.

How To Keep Safe in Chesterfield

Residents should focus on areas with elevated public order and violence and sexual offences rates. In commercial zones, avoid leaving valuables in view of parking areas where vehicle crime has risen sharply. In residential areas, consider community engagement initiatives to address anti-social behaviour, which is 42% above the UK average. For public spaces, use well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas, particularly in rural Chesterfield where crime rates are 52% higher than the town average. Residents near Staveley (Chesterfield) may benefit from local community networks that contribute to lower crime rates. For those in areas with rising vehicle crime, secure car storage and avoid leaving vehicles unattended in high-traffic zones.