Ashbourne Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ashbourne’s overall crime rate in August 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.9% below the UK average of 8.2. This marked discrepancy underscores the area’s distinct crime profile, which is shaped by its status as a built-up area within a largely rural region. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.5% of all reported incidents.8 per 1,000 is 33% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 25.6% of crimes, with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 that is 17% below the national figure. These figures suggest that while Ashbourne experiences a proportion of violent and disorderly incidents, the scale is significantly lower than in more densely populated urban centres. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, likely influenced these patterns: increased tourism may have reduced opportunities for shoplifting, while the temporary displacement of residents during school holidays could have contributed to a decline in property-related offences. However, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour may reflect the impact of summer events or gatherings, which can strain local policing resources. The area’s low crime rate compared to the UK average may also be attributed to its rural character, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity can deter certain types of crime. Criminal damage and arson saw an 82% drop compared to the UK average, a trend that may be linked to the absence of high-risk industrial or commercial zones in Ashbourne. As the month progressed, the interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics continued to shape the crime picture, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of emerging trends.

August 2024 saw a 175% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from four to 11 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in vehicle crime, contrasts sharply with an 87.5% drop in shoplifting, which fell from eight to one incident. These shifts in crime mix suggest a move away from retail-focused offences towards public disorder, possibly linked to the area’s seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained below the UK average, with a rate of 1.8 per 1,000 compared to the national figure of 2.7. This discrepancy may reflect Ashbourne’s relatively low population density and the absence of high-risk environments such as large nightlife hubs. The sharp decline in shoplifting, which is 86% below the UK average, could be attributed to the closure of seasonal retail outlets or reduced foot traffic during the peak holiday period. Residents may find the 100% increase in vehicle crime concerning, particularly as it indicates a potential rise in opportunistic theft in parking areas.

Ashbourne's crime rate in August 2024 fell by 25.7% compared to July, dropping from 6.1 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the built-up area, where the monthly exposure to crime remains relatively low. On a daily basis, Ashbourne recorded roughly one crime per day in August, a figure that translates to a manageable frequency for a community of 9,440 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 220 residents, a ratio that suggests a low likelihood of personal exposure to crime. When contextualised against the area’s population, this monthly exposure rate highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community engagement efforts, though seasonal factors such as the peak holiday period may have influenced crime patterns. The reduction in crime compared to the previous month may also reflect the impact of summer holidays, which can temporarily displace populations and reduce opportunities for certain types of crime.