Ashbourne Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ashbourne's overall crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents in March 2023 places it 1.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a marginal but notable difference. This built-up area within Derbyshire Dales, characterized by its semi-rural setting and small-town dynamics, shows a crime profile shaped by local factors. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.9% of total incidents, significantly above the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (31% higher). Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 22.5% of all reported crimes and 63% above the UK rate. Public order offences, though smaller in absolute numbers, also exceeded national benchmarks by 9%. These patterns may reflect the area's seasonal rhythms: as March transitions to spring, longer evenings and the clocks changing could contribute to increased social interactions in public spaces, explaining the elevated rates of public order and anti-social behaviour. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and vehicle crime (18% and 38% below UK averages, respectively) suggest that local retail and transport infrastructure may not be as heavily targeted as in more urban or tourist-heavy regions. This data underscores Ashbourne's position as a relatively low-crime area with distinct local challenges that warrant targeted analysis.

March 2023 saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime picture, contributing 34 incidents—3.6 per 1,000 residents, 31% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000 (22.5% of total crimes), was 63% above the UK rate, a stark deviation that may indicate underlying social tensions or pressures in the community. Shoplifting rates were 18% below the UK average, with only four incidents reported, suggesting that local retail areas may be less prone to such offences compared to larger towns or city centres. Vehicle crime also fell below the UK average by 38%, with three incidents recorded, reflecting lower car ownership rates or more secure parking arrangements in the area. The balance between violent and property crimes shifted significantly compared to previous months, with violent crimes making up 48% of the total, compared to 19% for property crimes. This shift may be linked to the transition into spring, when outdoor activities and social gatherings increase, contributing to higher rates of violence and public order offences. These findings highlight areas where local interventions might focus, particularly in addressing anti-social behaviour and supporting community safety initiatives.

Ashbourne's crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents in March 2023 translates to approximately 2 crimes per day across the 31-day period, a figure that aligns with the area's small population of 9,440. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 133 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in several key categories. For context, the UK's overall crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 means that Ashbourne's residents are marginally safer than the national average. The area's population size means that 71 total crimes represent a manageable burden for local policing and community resources, particularly when compared to larger urban centres where crime rates are typically much higher. The breakdown of crimes per resident also reveals that while violent crimes are proportionally more common than in the UK, property-related offences such as shoplifting and vehicle crime are less frequent. This contrast may reflect the area's semi-rural character, where commercial activity is more limited compared to densely populated regions. For residents, these statistics provide a clear picture of the local crime profile, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing anti-social behaviour and maintaining the relatively low levels of property crime.