Darley Dale Crime Rate

Statistics and Safety in Darley Dale

Darley Dale is a secure and increasingly safe community, currently holding a high safety score of 87/100. The area's overall crime rate is 57.2 per 1,000 residents, which compares very favourably to the UK national average of 93.1. This indicates that residents are at a significantly lower risk of experiencing crime than in many other parts of the country. Even more encouraging is the recent trend direction; Darley Dale has seen a substantial 31.2% decrease in crime year-over-year. This significant reduction suggests that the area is becoming much safer over time. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and regional context to help the community understand and maintain this positive safety trajectory.

Crime Breakdown in Darley Dale

Darley Dale's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.2% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, representing 22.6% of the total. The third most common category is other theft at 9.4%. These figures indicate that social and interpersonal offences are the most frequent, though they occur within a context that is safer than the national average.

Property-related crime is a key factor for local residents, with a combined property crime rate of 17.7 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (8.3%), criminal damage and arson (6.6%), and vehicle crime (2.8%). Burglary is notably low, making up only 2.2% of total offences. However, the high levels of 'other theft' and shoplifting suggest that opportunistic property crime is a recurring issue, particularly during the day. For homeowners, while the risk of break-ins is statistically low, the threat to external property and local businesses is more pronounced. Residents should ensure that outbuildings, vehicles, and gardens are well-secured to mitigate these more common forms of theft. Overall, the data suggests a community where public order and opportunistic theft are the primary areas for security focus.

Analysing Crime Trends in Darley Dale

Darley Dale is currently experiencing a very positive trend in public safety, with a significant 31.2% year-over-year decrease in total crime. An analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals some volatility but an overall improving picture. The year began with low rates in January and February (2.2), followed by a sharp increase in March (7.3) and April (8.5). These spring months represented the peak of criminal activity for the year.

Following this peak, the crime rate generally trended downwards, reaching 3.8 in June and August. While there was a late-year rise to 5.7 in September, the overall trajectory remains lower than in previous periods. This substantial reduction in crime is a strong indicator that Darley Dale is becoming a safer place for its residents. The periodic spikes in spring suggest that the community should remain particularly vigilant during these months, but the long-term trend is one of significant improvement in local security.

How To Keep Safe in Darley Dale

The most common crime category in Darley Dale is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for approximately 34% of all reported incidents. While the area is statistically safe, taking practical steps to ensure personal and property security is always recommended.

• Opportunistic Theft Prevention: With theft accounting for over 60% of crimes in the morning and afternoon, always ensure that your home and any outbuildings are locked, even if you are just in the garden or away for a short time.
• Vehicle Awareness: Vehicle crime peaks at night (32% of night-time offences). Always park in well-lit areas, ensure all doors are locked, and never leave valuables like bags or electronics visible inside the car.
• Home Visibility: Maintain clear lines of sight around your property by keeping hedges trimmed and installing motion-activated lighting. This removes potential hiding spots for intruders.
• Secure Deliveries: As 'other theft' is a top category, use secure delivery boxes or have packages sent to a neighbour if you won't be home, as parcel theft is a common opportunistic crime.
• Community Vigilance: Participate in local safety schemes and report any suspicious behaviour or unfamiliar individuals loitering near properties to the local police. Early intervention is key to maintaining the area's declining crime rate.

Temporal Crime Trends in Darley Dale

Crime in Darley Dale follows a very distinct pattern based on the time of day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is by far the most dominant concern, accounting for 60% and 64% of all offences respectively. This exceptionally high concentration suggests that opportunistic theft, likely including shoplifting and parcel theft, is the primary risk during daylight hours when the community is most active.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour—rise to 51% of reports. However, the most significant shift in property risk occurs during the night (12am - 6am). This period sees vehicle crime surge to 32% of all reported incidents, its highest concentration of the day. Burglary also peaks slightly at 12% during these overnight hours. These findings indicate a clear divide: daytime is the peak for theft-related offences, while the night poses the greatest risk to vehicles and home security. Residents should tailor their security measures accordingly, focusing on daytime vigilance and overnight protection.

Local Context: Comparing Darley Dale to Surrounding Areas

In the context of the Derbyshire Dales, Darley Dale is a relatively safe residential hub. It is significantly more secure than the nearby town of Matlock, which has a much higher crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 people. While it is more active than very small nearby hamlets such as Rowsley and Bonsall, which both recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000, Darley Dale's rate of 57.2 is respectable for its population size and amenities. It also compares well to Winster, which has a lower rate of 29.0 but a much smaller population. For those seeking a balance between local services and a high level of security, Darley Dale offers a compelling option that is significantly safer than the regional average and larger local centres.

Proactive Security for Darley Dale Homeowners

With a property crime rate of 17.7 per 1,000 people, Darley Dale is safer than many areas, but the 31.2% decrease in crime shows that vigilance pays off. Traditional security systems are often reactive, capturing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. For homeowners in Darley Dale, where theft and shoplifting are the most common property-related concerns, a proactive approach can stop these opportunistic crimes before they impact your home.

An AI-powered security operating system like scOS offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional CCTV. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, detecting suspicious patterns and identifying potential threats before a break-in is attempted. Its ability to distinguish between residents, deliveries, and actual threats ensures that you are only alerted when it matters. By deploying autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible warnings—scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This proactive deterrence is designed to prevent crime entirely, ensuring that the downward trend in local crime continues for your property.