Ashbourne Crime Rate

Ashbourne is a historic market town in the Derbyshire Dales that maintains an impressive safety record. With an overall crime rate of 64.9 per 1,000 people, it is notably safer than the UK national average of 93.1. This high level of security is reflected in its safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78. While the area has experienced a 7.4% increase in crime over the last year, it remains a low-risk environment for both residents and visitors. The majority of reported incidents are related to social conduct rather than property theft, with property crime rates sitting at just 17.0 per 1,000. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of Ashbourne's crime statistics to help you understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Ashbourne

Ashbourne's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.5% of all reported crimes, totalling 279 incidents. Public order offences follow at 11.8% (72 crimes), with anti-social behaviour making up 10.9% (67 crimes). These three categories represent the majority of police activity in the area, focusing largely on social conduct and personal safety.

Property crime in Ashbourne, which includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 17.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent offence (6.4%), followed by other theft (4.7%) and burglary (3.6%). For residents, this indicates a relatively low risk of home invasion or vehicle theft compared to national figures, though the prevalence of violence and public order issues suggests that town centre safety during peak hours is a more pressing local concern. homeowners can feel relatively secure, but should remain vigilant against the opportunistic theft that still occurs in the area.

Crime Trends in Ashbourne

Ashbourne has seen a 7.4% increase in total crime over the past 12 months. While the town remains very safe, the monthly trend data reveals some notable fluctuations. The year began with relatively low crime rates in November 2024 (3.1 per 1,000) and December (3.9). However, there was a steady climb through the early months of 2025, with a significant spike occurring in March, where the rate reached 7.2.

Following this peak, the crime rate dipped in April but rose again to another high in July 2025, reaching 8.1 per 1,000 people—the highest recorded point in the data set. The latter part of the year saw rates settle into a range between 5.2 and 6.0. This pattern indicates that crime in Ashbourne may be subject to seasonal influences or specific local events that drive short-term increases. Despite these peaks, the overall trend suggests that while crime is rising, it is doing so from a very low baseline compared to national averages.

How To Keep Safe in Ashbourne

The most frequent crime type in Ashbourne is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in the context of the town's social and night-time economy. While Ashbourne is generally safe, taking basic personal safety precautions is always advisable.

When enjoying the town's nightlife, stay in groups and plan your journey home in advance. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid taking shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways late at night. For business owners, particularly in the retail sector, being alert to shoplifting—which accounts for 6.4% of local crime—is important; ensure your staff are trained in loss prevention and that your premises have clear sightlines. At home, the fact that 26% of burglaries occur at night highlights the need for secure locks on all doors and windows. Simple measures like joining a local Neighbourhood Watch or marking your valuables can also significantly enhance your personal and property security in Ashbourne.

Crime Timing in Ashbourne

The timing of criminal activity in Ashbourne shows clear shifts in the types of offences throughout the 24-hour cycle. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related crimes, accounting for 37% and 38% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the town's active commercial hours. Burglary also has a notable presence in the afternoon, making up 23% of offences during this time.

As we move into the evening and night, the profile shifts significantly. 'Other' crimes, which include public order and social conduct offences, jump to 62% in the evening and 47% at night. Night-time (12am - 6am) is also the peak period for burglary, which accounts for 26% of all crimes in that window, and vehicle crime, which rises to 18%. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime concern, property and public order risks are most acute during the hours of darkness.

Ashbourne sits as a central hub within a very safe rural region. When compared to nearby Mayfield in East Staffordshire, which has a crime rate of 30.9, Ashbourne's rate of 64.9 is higher, reflecting its larger population and commercial activity. Similarly, it is busier than Hulland Ward (29.3). In contrast, the tiny neighbouring villages of Edlaston and Kniveton report 0.0 crimes, highlighting the exceptionally quiet nature of the immediate Derbyshire countryside. For those considering the area, Ashbourne provides a safe urban-rural balance, offering more amenities than its smaller neighbours while maintaining a crime rate that is still far below the national average.

Proactive Security in Ashbourne

Ashbourne's property crime rate of 17.0 per 1,000 people is low, but the 7.4% year-over-year increase in total crime suggests that residents should remain proactive about home security. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV or alarm systems are often reactive, meaning they alert you or record evidence only after a break-in has occurred. In a town where burglary is most likely to happen during the night or afternoon, a more preventative approach is required.

scOS provides this by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. Unlike standard systems, scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens. It can distinguish between your family members and potential threats, only alerting you when a real risk is detected. If an intruder is identified, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that most burglars rely on. For Ashbourne residents, this proactive protection offers a significant upgrade over traditional recording devices, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.