Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate

Derbyshire Dales recorded a crime rate of 56.5 per 1,000 residents over the past 12 months — 38% below the UK average and the safest area in the region. While overall crime is rising by 5.1% year-on-year, the most surprising trend is the 39% increase in possession of weapons, a sharp contrast to the area’s generally low-risk profile.

Derbyshire Dales is a rural area characterised by small towns, villages, and expansive countryside. Its low crime rate likely reflects the sparse population and limited urban centres, which reduce opportunities for theft and violence. However, towns like Matlock — a tourist hub with a 93.6 per 1,000 crime rate — show higher rates due to visitor footfall and nightlife activity. Rural areas such as Winster (25.3 per 1,000) benefit from isolation, though this may also limit policing resources. The area’s mix of tourism, historic sites, and commuter villages creates a complex crime profile, with anti-social behaviour and public order issues more common in populated centres.

The most striking finding is the 39% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, a sharp rise despite Derbyshire Dales’ overall safety. This may reflect regional trends or isolated incidents, though the rate remains 40% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences (21.2 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (9.8 per 1,000) are the most common crimes, likely linked to local nightlife in towns like Bakewell. Public order issues (5.4 per 1,000) also rise during peak tourist seasons. Bicycle theft has fallen by 42.9% YoY, possibly due to increased awareness or theft prevention efforts in rural areas. Property crime remains low (16.0 per 1,000, 49.7% below the UK average), with burglary (2.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (1.6 per 1,000) both well below national rates, reflecting the area’s sparse population.

Crime in Derbyshire Dales has risen by 5.1% year-on-year, with monthly trends peaking in May 2025 (5.8 per 1,000/month) and troughing in February 2026 (3.5 per 1,000/month). This seasonal pattern aligns with increased outdoor activity and tourism in spring/summer. Bicycle theft has fallen sharply by 42.9% YoY, likely due to reduced demand for cycling in winter or improved anti-theft measures. However, possession of weapons has surged by 39%, a worrying trend that may require targeted community engagement. Other crimes like anti-social behaviour (+26.8%) and drugs (+18.5%) are rising, though still below UK averages, suggesting localized pressures rather than systemic issues.

Derbyshire Dales is significantly safer than surrounding areas, with crime rates 22% lower than North East Derbyshire and 44% lower than Amber Valley. Chesterfield and Derby have rates 114% and 132% higher, respectively, likely due to their larger urban populations and economic challenges. Even within Derbyshire Dales, Matlock (93.6 per 1,000) is 66% more dangerous than the area average, while rural areas like Winster (25.3 per 1,000) are 123% safer. This disparity highlights how urban centres and tourist hubs face higher risks compared to sparsely populated regions.

For Derbyshire Dales residents, scOS offers proactive security tailored to the area’s low-crime profile. With burglary at 2.1 per 1,000 — 37% below the UK average — it’s ideal for maintaining existing safety, scOS’s AI detects threats at property perimeters, distinguishing between regular visitors and potential intruders. This is particularly useful in rural areas where isolation may delay police response. The system’s DVLA verification for vehicle plates can help prevent vehicle crime, though the area’s rate is already 65% below the UK average, scOS’s automated lights and speakers deter opportunists, ensuring safety without overcomplicating daily life. At £19/month, it’s a cost-effective way to stay protected in an area where crime remains rare but not nonexistent.

How To Keep Safe in Derbyshire Dales

Derbyshire Dales is a very safe area, but low-level crimes like anti-social behaviour and public order issues can occur in populated centres. Secure vehicles in rural areas with immobilisers or tracking devices, as vehicle crime remains 65% below the UK average. In towns like Matlock, where crime rates are higher, avoid leaving valuables in view and use Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The rise in possession of weapons may indicate isolated incidents, but residents should report suspicious activity through 101. For households, consider scOS’s perimeter detection to deter opportunistic intruders, though this area’s low burglary rate (2.1 per 1,000) means it’s not a high priority. Overall, Derbyshire Dales offers a secure environment with proportionate measures to maintain safety.