Derby Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Derby

Derby, with a population of 274,149, records an overall crime rate of 129.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Derby above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The property crime rate specifically stands at 38.5 per 1,000 residents, which is also higher than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Despite these figures, Derby achieves a safety score of 69 out of 100, which, while below the UK average of 78, indicates a moderate level of safety. Recent trends show a stable crime landscape in Derby, with a slight decrease of 3.0% year-over-year.

About Derby: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

Derby, a prominent city in the East Midlands, is characterised by its urban landscape, a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Historically a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the rail and aerospace industries with major employers like Rolls-Royce, the city attracts a diverse population and a significant transient workforce. Its role as a major transport hub, including a busy railway station, contributes to high footfall and connectivity, which can inadvertently create opportunities for certain types of crime.

The city centre, with its vibrant nightlife, retail outlets, and cultural attractions, naturally experiences higher population density and activity, which can correlate with increased instances of anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and theft. Economic factors, while not explicitly detailed, can also play a role; areas with varying levels of economic prosperity can see different crime patterns. Understanding these inherent characteristics of Derby—its urban nature, industrial heritage, transport links, and active city centre—provides context for its crime statistics, helping residents to comprehend the underlying influences on the safety score and crime rates within the local authority district.

Crime Type Analysis in Derby

An in-depth look at crime statistics in Derby reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 14,163 crimes, or 39.8% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 51.7 per 1,000 residents. Following this, anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 4,893 recorded incidents (13.8% of the total, 17.9 per 1,000), and public order offences rank third with 3,395 crimes (9.6% of the total, 12.4 per 1,000). These top three categories highlight a prevalence of issues related to public conduct and personal safety.

Property-related crime in Derby, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, collectively stands at 38.5 per 1,000 people per year. Within this category, shoplifting is notably high with 2,832 crimes (10.3 per 1,000), followed by criminal damage and arson (2,346 crimes, 8.6 per 1,000) and other theft (2,229 crimes, 8.1 per 1,000). Vehicle crime accounts for 1,332 incidents (4.9 per 1,000), and burglary for 924 incidents (3.4 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of securing property, especially against common theft and criminal damage. Understanding these patterns can help individuals take targeted preventative measures to protect their homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in Derby

Derby's crime statistics show a stable trend over the last year, with an overall decrease of 3.0% in reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This indicates that while the overall crime rate remains above the national average, the situation is not significantly worsening, and in fact, shows a slight improvement. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw peaks in October 2024 (11.8), March 2025 (11.5), and July 2025 (12.0), suggesting periods of heightened activity. Conversely, November 2024 recorded the lowest rate at 8.5 per 1,000, indicating a quieter period. For residents, a stable trend, even with minor fluctuations, suggests that the local environment is not experiencing a rapid escalation in crime, allowing for consistent application of security measures and community vigilance.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Understanding Derby's crime rates requires context from its neighbouring areas. When compared to Erewash, South Derbyshire, and Amber Valley, Derby's overall crime rate of 129.7 per 1,000 is generally higher, as these areas often present more suburban or rural characteristics. Similarly, against Broxtowe and North West Leicestershire, Derby's urban environment typically results in elevated crime figures. Nottingham, a larger city, often experiences higher crime rates than Derby, positioning Derby somewhere in the middle among its regional counterparts – higher than the more rural or suburban districts, but potentially lower than larger metropolitan centres. This regional comparison provides a broader perspective for residents, highlighting that urban areas like Derby naturally face different challenges in crime prevention compared to less densely populated locales.

Protecting Your Property in Derby

Given Derby's property crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000 residents, implementing robust home security measures is a practical consideration for homeowners. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording tool rather than a preventative one. For true peace of mind, a shift towards proactive protection is essential.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, which is designed to prevent crime before it happens. Unlike systems that simply notify you after an intrusion, scOS uses advanced AI to detect threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures all areas are watched simultaneously, eliminating blind spots, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. By learning your family's routines, scOS intelligently filters out false alarms, only alerting you to genuine threats. This proactive approach, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers, creates an element of surprise that deters most burglars within their critical 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target and significantly reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime.