Derby Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Derby BUA

The built-up area of Derby, with a population of 276,949, experiences an overall crime rate of 130.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, reflecting the challenges often associated with urban environments. The property crime rate in Derby BUA stands at 38.5 per 1,000 residents, which also exceeds the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Derby BUA holds a safety score of 69 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety, though it is below the UK average of 78. Current trends show that crime in the Derby BUA has remained stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 3.0%.

Crime Type Analysis in Derby BUA

Within the Derby Built-Up Area, violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent crime category, accounting for 14,476 incidents, or 40.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 52.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common concern, with 4,999 recorded incidents (13.8% of the total, 18.1 per 1,000), followed closely by public order offences, which totalled 3,434 crimes (9.5% of the total, 12.4 per 1,000). These statistics highlight significant challenges related to public conduct and personal safety within the urban environment.

Property-related crime across Derby BUA, including burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, registers at 38.5 per 1,000 people per year. Shoplifting is a notable component of this, with 2,788 crimes (10.1 per 1,000), alongside criminal damage and arson (2,387 crimes, 8.6 per 1,000) and other theft (2,252 crimes, 8.1 per 1,000). Vehicle crime accounts for 1,416 incidents (5.1 per 1,000), and burglary for 925 incidents (3.3 per 1,000). These figures underscore the importance of robust security measures for both businesses and residential properties within the built-up area, as property remains a significant target for criminal activity.

Crime Trends in Derby BUA

The Derby Built-Up Area has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, showing a 3.0% decrease in overall reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This consistent trend suggests that the urban area is not seeing a dramatic shift in its crime landscape, offering residents a degree of predictability in the local safety environment. Monthly data reveals specific patterns, with crime rates per 1,000 residents peaking in October 2024 (11.8), March 2025 (11.6), and July 2025 (12.2). Conversely, November 2024 recorded a lower rate of 8.6 per 1,000. These fluctuations indicate periods of increased and decreased criminal activity, but the overall year-on-year stability points to a relatively consistent level of risk. Residents can use this information to stay informed about local crime patterns and adapt their security practices accordingly.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Derby BUA

Crime in the Derby Built-Up Area exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle, influenced by daily routines and activities. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences become significantly more prevalent, accounting for 48% of crimes in this period, alongside vehicle crime at 14%. This suggests an increase in opportunities as businesses open and people commute.

The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees the highest concentration of theft, rising to 52% of all crimes, often linked to peak shopping hours and increased foot traffic in commercial areas. Vehicle crime decreases to 5% during this time, while burglary holds at 14%. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime landscape shifts; 'other' crimes dominate at 51%, with theft reducing to 22% and vehicle crime picking up slightly to 15%. This period often correlates with social activities and nightlife. Finally, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) are characterised by a significant rise in vehicle crime, reaching 38%, and 'other' crimes at 35%, along with 16% for burglary. This indicates that when properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, opportunities for these types of offences increase.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Derby BUA's crime rates can be compared to several nearby settlements. Against smaller, often more suburban areas such as Breadsall, Morley (Erewash), Borrowash, and Quarndon, Derby BUA's overall crime rate of 130.6 per 1,000 is generally higher. This difference is typical, as built-up urban areas naturally present more opportunities for certain types of crime due to higher population density, increased commercial activity, and greater transient populations. These comparisons help residents understand that while Derby BUA faces specific urban challenges, its crime profile is consistent with other urban centres when viewed against its smaller, surrounding communities.

Protecting Your Property in Derby BUA

With Derby BUA's property crime rate at 38.5 per 1,000 residents, securing your home and belongings is a crucial consideration. Traditional home security solutions, such as simple recording cameras, often only provide evidence after a crime has occurred, failing to prevent the incident itself. For effective protection, a proactive approach is paramount.

Consider adopting an advanced, AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to stop crime before it impacts your property. Unlike reactive systems, scOS utilises artificial intelligence to detect potential threats at your property's perimeter. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a detail, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can swiftly flag suspicious vehicles. Through pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts for real dangers. The system's autonomous response capabilities, which include activating lights and engaging speakers, create an immediate deterrent, often causing potential intruders to abandon their plans within the crucial first 60 seconds. Opting for professional-grade security like scOS signifies a serious commitment to protection, making your property a formidable challenge for criminals and significantly reducing the risk of becoming a victim of property crime.