Ashbourne Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 marked a slight upward trend in Ashbourne’s overall crime rate, which rose to 4.7 per 1,000 residents — 29.9% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This rate, though marginally higher than January’s 4.6, remains well within the national context of a largely rural area where crime tends to be lower than in urban centres. The most prevalent category of crime was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.5% of all reported incidents (20 cases), a figure that is 11% below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting followed closely, making up 15.9% of total crimes (7 cases), though this rate was 13% above the UK average for the same category. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — may likely contribute to the relative stability of property crime, which accounted for 36% of all incidents (16 cases). Anti-social behaviour, at 9.1% of total crimes (4 cases), was 59% below the UK average, suggesting a community profile where public order issues are less frequent than in other regions. This pattern is consistent with Ashbourne’s character as a built-up area within the Derbyshire Dales, where low population density and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the prominence of violent crime remains a concern, linked to factors such as local social dynamics or seasonal transitions affecting community interactions.

February 2025 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 cases), a stark increase that may reflect seasonal factors such as colder weather prompting more incidents of property damage. Vehicle crime also doubled from 0 to 1 case, and other crime rose similarly, though these small numbers make interpretation cautious. Conversely, burglary fell sharply by 60% (from 5 to 2 cases), aligning with the broader trend of property crime remaining lower than the UK average. Other theft dropped by 50%, and public order offences declined by 40%, suggesting possible improvements in community policing or self-reported reductions in minor disturbances. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mix of local and national patterns: while shoplifting (13% above UK average) may be influenced by Ashbourne’s retail presence, anti-social behaviour (59% below UK average) could reflect the area’s quieter, more residential nature. Violence and sexual offences, which dominate local crime statistics, remain 11% below the UK average for this category, hinting at effective local initiatives or demographic factors that mitigate severe incidents. A resident might find the 60% drop in burglary particularly relevant, as it could indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities for targeted theft in the area.

Ashbourne’s crime rate in February 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) was a 2.2% increase from January’s 4.6 per 1,000.9% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 2 crimes per day over the 28-day month, a figure that, while modest, reflects the local context of a small built-up area within a rural region. When scaled to the population of 9,440 residents, the monthly exposure to crime was 1 in 215 people — a statistic that, while low, underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance in community policing. This rate is particularly significant when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be closer to 1 in 150 residents. The relatively low crime levels in Ashbourne may be attributed to its geographic isolation, limited commercial activity, and possibly a more cohesive community structure that deters certain types of crime. However, the increase in criminal damage and arson highlights the need for targeted interventions, as these incidents can have disproportionate impacts on local residents. The contrast between Ashbourne’s low burglary rate (26% below UK average) and its higher shoplifting rate (13% above UK average) suggests a combination of local factors, such as the presence of retail outlets versus the lack of high-density housing that might otherwise increase property crime. These comparisons provide a nuanced picture of how Ashbourne’s crime profile differs from national trends, offering insights for both residents and policymakers.