Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Derbyshire Dales recorded a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 in May 2023, 21.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's consistently lower crime profile, a pattern that has likely been reinforced by its rural character and lower population density. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related issues, which may be influenced by the seasonal context of May. The month's bank holidays and extended daylight hours likely contributed to increased outdoor socialising, which may partly explain the higher incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the rate of violent crime remains significantly below the UK average, with the category itself being 14% below the national benchmark. The relatively low levels of public order offences (24% below the UK average) and shoplifting (80% below) further reinforce the area's distinct crime profile. The 'Other crime' category stood out as an exception, being 43% above the UK average, though the exact nature of these incidents remains unspecified in the data. This contrast highlights the complexity of local crime patterns, which are shaped by a combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal factors. The lower rates of vehicle crime (33% below the UK average) and theft from the person (100% below) suggest that the area's rural setting may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime, while the higher incidence of 'Other crime' may reflect unreported or less common incidents. Overall, Derbyshire Dales continues to demonstrate a crime profile that diverges from national trends, with its unique characteristics playing a key role in shaping the local context.

May 2023 saw a 26.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 138 to 175 incidents. This surge aligns with seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased social activity, which may partly explain the trend. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 40.5%, from 37 to 22 incidents, possibly due to reduced traffic during bank holidays or seasonal travel patterns. A striking anomaly emerged in the 'Other crime' category, which was 43% above the UK average, highlighting a significant deviation from national trends. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 25%, from 12 to 9 incidents, reflecting improved retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during holiday periods. The sharp 300% increase in possession of weapons, from one to four incidents, deserves closer attention, though can be established from the data alone.

Derbyshire Dales' crime rate in May 2023 rose by 5.2% compared to April, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 15 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 159 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the scale of exposure within the local population. This rate is 21.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, suggesting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national standard. The population context further underscores that the area's 71,757 residents experience a proportionally lower incidence of crime, which may be influenced by the district's rural character and lower population density. While the increase from April is modest, the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, indicating that Derbyshire Dales continues to maintain a safer environment relative to other regions.