Derby Crime Rate

Crime in Derby

The urban area of Derby has a recorded crime rate of 131.3 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 69/100, placing the city below the national average safety benchmark of 79. Despite these figures, the crime trend is stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease year-over-year. While the overall crime rate is elevated, the property crime rate of 38.3 is also above the national average, indicating a persistent risk for homeowners and businesses. This analysis examines the specific types of crime in Derby and the patterns of when they occur, providing essential information for residents to stay safe and protect their property.

Crime in Derby

The urban settlement of Derby is primarily affected by violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences. Violence and sexual offences lead the statistics with 14,573 recorded incidents, making up 40.1% of all activity. Anti-social behaviour follows at 14.2% (5,155 crimes), and public order offences account for 9.3% (3,382 crimes).

Property crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—stands at a rate of 38.3 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.3, highlighting a significant risk for local property owners. Shoplifting is also a major factor, representing 7.7% of all crime. For residents, the data shows that burglary risk is most acute during the night (16% of incidents) and afternoon (14%). Furthermore, vehicle crime peaks sharply at night, accounting for 39% of all recorded activity between 12am and 6am. This suggests that while daytime risks are often related to commercial theft, nighttime risks are heavily focused on residential property and vehicle security.

Crime Trends in Derby

The crime rate in Derby is currently stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of criminal activity over the last two years. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked at 12.2 in July 2025 and was at its lowest at 9.7 in December 2024.

The increase during the summer months (reaching 11.9 in May and 12.2 in July) is a common urban pattern, often linked to more people being outdoors and increased social activity. The rate then gradually declined towards the end of the year, finishing at 10.3 in November 2025. For residents, this stability means that while the overall risk remains high, the environment is predictable, with summer requiring the highest level of vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Derby

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the Derby urban area, representing over 40% of all incidents. Maintaining personal safety in the city requires staying alert and being proactive.

When walking through the city centre or using public transport, avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones. Stay in well-lit, busy areas, especially after dark. If you are out in the evening, try to travel with others and keep a close eye on your personal belongings in crowded places.

Property security is also crucial, particularly given the 16% burglary rate and 39% vehicle crime rate during the night. Ensure your car is parked in a secure, well-lit area and never leave valuables inside. For your home, double-check all locks before bed and consider installing motion-activated lighting around your property. Being part of a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about any crime trends in your specific street or neighbourhood.

When Crime Happens in Derby

Crime in Derby follows clear patterns throughout the day. The morning and afternoon are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 47% and 51% of activity respectively. This likely reflects retail-related crimes and opportunistic thefts during busy hours.

As the day turns to evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. Theft drops to just 11% at night, while 'other' crimes (including public order and anti-social behaviour) rise to 52% in the evening. Most notably, vehicle crime surges to 39% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Burglary also reaches its highest proportion at night (16%). These patterns suggest that while daytime risks are primarily commercial, nighttime risks are heavily focused on property and vehicle security while residents are asleep. Awareness of these shifts can help residents take the right precautions at the right time.

Nearby Area Comparison

Derby is the dominant urban centre in the region, and its crime figures reflect this role. Its rate of 131.3 per 1,000 is much higher than neighbouring Borrowash (44.3). Smaller nearby settlements such as Breadsall, Morley (Erewash), and Quarndon all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 during this period. This comparison highlights that criminal activity is heavily concentrated in the city of Derby itself. For those living in or moving to the area, the city offers extensive amenities but requires a higher level of security awareness compared to the exceptionally quiet surrounding villages.

Proactive Security in Derby

With a property crime rate of 38.3 per 1,000 people, Derby residents face a higher-than-average risk of theft and burglary. Traditional security systems—like standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras—are reactive. They record a crime while it’s happening or after the fact, which often doesn't help prevent the loss or damage. In a busy urban environment like Derby, you need a system that stops criminals before they act.

The scOS AI-powered security system provides this proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS identifies threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between your family, a delivery driver, and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter the criminal. Features like DVLA vehicle verification also help identify unknown cars near your home. For Derby homeowners, scOS offers professional-grade protection that prevents crime rather than just recording it, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.