Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate

Derbyshire Dales is one of the safest local authority districts in the UK, boasting an impressive safety score of 87/100, which is well above the national average of 78. The overall crime rate is 55.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a minor 2.7% decrease year-over-year. This secure environment is a hallmark of the district, which comprises a mix of rural landscapes and historic market towns. While the area is generally safe, understanding the specific crime patterns and seasonal trends can help residents and visitors maintain this high standard of safety. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the crime statistics for the entire Derbyshire Dales local authority.

About Derbyshire Dales

Derbyshire Dales is a predominantly rural local authority district situated in the heart of England, encompassing a large portion of the Peak District National Park. The area is characterised by its stunning natural landscapes, historic market towns like Matlock, Ashbourne, and Bakewell, and numerous picturesque villages. This unique geography significantly influences its crime statistics.

The district's economy is heavily driven by tourism, agriculture, and limestone quarrying. Major employers include the local council and various tourism-related businesses. The high volume of visitors, particularly during peak holiday seasons, brings a transient population that can influence crime rates in commercial and tourist hubs. However, the overall population density remains low, contributing to its status as one of the safer regions in the UK. Transport hubs are limited, with the area relying mostly on road networks, which can sometimes be targets for vehicle-related offences. Demographically, the area has a higher-than-average elderly population and a strong sense of community, which often translates into lower rates of anti-social behaviour compared to more urbanised local authorities.

Crime in Derbyshire Dales

Crime in Derbyshire Dales is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.9% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 20.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 16.4%, followed by public order offences at 9.7%. These figures reflect a trend common in many rural districts where personal and community-based offences are more prominent than high-volume urban crimes.

Property-related crime in Derbyshire Dales, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, stands at a rate of 16.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. While burglary only accounts for 4.0% of total crime, the combined impact of other theft and criminal damage suggests that residents should not be complacent. For homeowners, the relatively low burglary rate is encouraging, but the presence of theft and shoplifting in the market towns indicates that opportunistic property crime remains a factor that requires consistent security awareness.

Crime Trends in Derbyshire Dales

Crime in Derbyshire Dales is currently stable, with a slight 2.7% decrease in reported incidents year-over-year. The monthly trend data shows a consistent pattern with some minor fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 3.4 in November 2024 and reached its highest point of 5.8 in May 2025.

Other peaks occurred in March and June 2025, both at 5.3. These slight increases in the spring and early summer months may be linked to the rise in tourism and outdoor activity during this period. Since the summer, the rate has remained relatively steady, ending at 4.6 in October 2025. This stability is a positive indicator for the district, suggesting that the local safety environment is well-managed. Residents can feel confident in the area's ongoing security, though the seasonal peaks highlight the need for continued vigilance during busier months.

In the regional context of the East Midlands, Derbyshire Dales is a benchmark for safety. While direct statistical comparisons with immediate neighbours like North East Derbyshire, Amber Valley, and Staffordshire Moorlands are not available in this dataset, the Dales' overall crime rate of 55.8 is exceptionally low for a district with such high tourism activity. It offers a much more secure environment than larger urban centres like Derby or Chesterfield. For those seeking a safe and peaceful residential or holiday destination in the region, Derbyshire Dales remains a top choice, combining natural beauty with a consistently low risk of crime.

Derbyshire Dales enjoys a low property crime rate of 16.6 per 1,000, but the impact of burglary and theft can still be significant for those affected. In a district known for its safety, the goal of security should be proactive prevention to maintain the peaceful character of the area. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive—they record an incident as it happens, which provides evidence but does not stop the crime.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, allowing it to activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This proactive boundary detection is designed to stop a burglar or thief before they can cause damage or loss. For residents of Derbyshire Dales, scOS provides the ultimate peace of mind, ensuring that your home is protected by the most advanced AI technology available.

How To Keep Safe in Derbyshire Dales

The most common crime in Derbyshire Dales is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To maintain your safety across the district, consider the following regional advice:

1. Be Aware in Tourist Hubs: During peak seasons, market towns like Matlock and Bakewell can become very busy. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure in crowded areas.
2. Secure Rural Properties: If you live in a more isolated part of the Dales, ensure that all entry points, including gates and outbuildings, are securely locked with high-quality hardware.
3. Use Motion-Sensor Lighting: Install bright, motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home. This is an effective deterrent for opportunistic crime, especially in areas with low street lighting.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local council or police. This helps the authorities manage resources and maintain the peaceful nature of the district.
5. Join Community Safety Schemes: Engaging with local Neighbourhood Watch groups or similar community safety initiatives can help create a more vigilant and connected community.