Derby Crime Rate

Derby has an overall crime rate of 130.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. The city holds a safety score of 69/100, indicating that while it is a major urban centre, there are notable safety challenges for the community. The recent trend direction is stable, showing a 1.7% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. This suggests that crime levels are consistent, though still elevated. For the 274,149 people living in Derby, understanding these statistics is key to personal safety and property protection. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the most common crimes and how Derby compares to its regional neighbours.

Derby is a major city in the East Midlands with a rich industrial history, particularly in the rail and aerospace sectors, being home to major employers like Rolls-Royce and Alstom. The city serves as a significant commercial and transport hub, with the A50 and A38 providing key regional links. This economic activity, combined with a large student population from the University of Derby and a busy city centre, influences the local crime statistics. High-density urban wards often see more reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, while the city's role as a retail destination contributes to shoplifting rates. The mix of traditional terraced housing in inner-city areas and modern suburban developments on the outskirts creates a varied safety profile across the district.

In Derby, the primary crime concern is violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.9% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 52.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (14.1%) and public order offences (9.3%). Together, these three categories represent over 60% of the city's total crime, reflecting the challenges common to many large urban centres.

Property-related crime is also a significant factor for the local community. The overall property crime rate—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 38.4 per 1,000 people. Within this group, shoplifting (10.4 per 1,000) and criminal damage/arson (8.5 per 1,000) are the most prevalent. Vehicle crime occurs at a rate of 4.9 per 1,000, while burglary is reported at 3.4 per 1,000. For residents, this data underscores the importance of securing personal property and vehicles, particularly against opportunistic theft and vandalism, which are more common than residential break-ins.

The crime trend in Derby is currently stable, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.7%. This indicates that while the city faces significant safety challenges, the overall volume of crime is not rising. Analysis of the monthly trendData from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows some interesting variations. The year began with a rate of 9.7 in December 2024, followed by a peak in the spring and summer months.

The highest crime rate was recorded in July 2025 at 12.0 per 1,000 people, which is a common seasonal pattern in urban areas due to increased social activity. Interestingly, rates remained relatively high through the autumn, with another notable peak of 11.4 in August. The year ended with a slight decrease to 10.3 in November. For residents, this suggests that while the annual trend is stable, the period from March through October typically sees higher levels of activity, requiring extra vigilance regarding personal and property safety.

In the regional context of the East Midlands, Derby stands out as a high-activity urban hub. When compared to nearby areas like Erewash, South Derbyshire, and Amber Valley, as well as neighbouring Broxtowe, North West Leicestershire, and Nottingham—all of which report a rate of 0.0 in this specific dataset—Derby has a much higher volume of reported incidents. This disparity is typical for a major city compared to its more suburban or semi-rural neighbours. For those considering the region, it is important to note that while Derby's overall rate is high, many of its suburban wards offer a much quieter and safer environment than the central urban core.

Derby's property crime rate of 38.4 per 1,000 people is well above the UK average, making home and vehicle security a top priority for residents. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or DIY cameras, are often reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. To truly protect your property in a city with these statistics, a proactive approach is necessary.

The scOS security operating system uses AI to prevent crimes before they happen. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious activity, such as loitering or unauthorised vehicles, using multi-camera intelligence and DVLA verification. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger responses like lighting and audio alerts, destroying the element of surprise for potential intruders. In Derby, where shoplifting and criminal damage are prevalent, this immediate deterrence is invaluable. scOS ensures your home is actively defended, not just recorded, providing a superior level of safety for you and your family.

How To Keep Safe in Derby

The most common crime type in Derby is violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly 40% of all reports. To enhance your personal safety within the local authority area, consider the following advice:

1. When walking in the city centre or near the university at night, stay in well-lit areas and use busy pedestrian routes. Avoid shortcuts through parks or isolated alleys after dark.
2. If you are enjoying Derby's nightlife, stay with your group and plan your journey home. Use licensed taxis or public transport, and avoid walking home alone if possible.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in busy areas like the Derbion shopping centre or the bus station. Keep bags zipped and avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewellery.
4. For homeowners, particularly in high-density urban wards, ensure your property is well-lit and that any vehicles are parked in secure, visible locations to deter criminal damage and theft.
5. Engage with your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. They provide regular updates on local crime trends and can offer specific safety advice for your particular area of the city.