Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Derbyshire Dales recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in May 2024, a figure 32.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country, with violence and sexual offences making up 36.6% of all crimes—26% below the UK average for that category. The data highlights a marked contrast between Derbyshire Dales and the national profile, where property crimes often dominate. Instead, the district’s crime profile is shaped by a higher proportion of violent and anti-social incidents, likely influenced by its mix of rural and semi-urban communities. Longer evenings and the arrival of bank holidays in May may have contributed to increased socialising in public spaces, potentially explaining the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, these incidents remain well below national averages, suggesting a combination of low population density and strong community policing. Public order offences, at 10.8% of total crimes, also reflect the impact of outdoor activity, though their rate (0.6 per 1,000) is just 5% below the UK average. The area’s low burglary rate—0.2 per 1,000, 35% below the UK average—may be attributed to its rural character, where fewer homes are concentrated in high-risk zones. This pattern is consistent with other rural areas, where crime tends to be more dispersed and less frequent. The data underscores Derbyshire Dales’ unique position as a district where violent crime is a more prominent concern than property crime, yet remains significantly lower than the national benchmark.

May 2024 saw significant month-on-month increases in anti-social behaviour (+129%), other crime (+140%), and shoplifting (+75%), highlighting shifts in local patterns. Anti-social behaviour, now at 1.0 per 1,000, remains 31% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000, suggesting persistent community resilience despite rising incidents. Conversely, burglary fell by 37.5% compared to the previous month, with 15 reported cases—0.2 per 1,000—35% below the UK average. Shoplifting, at 0.2 per 1,000, was 69% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a disparity that may reflect the area’s rural character and limited retail density. The rise in 'other crime'—now 12 reported cases—could signal emerging local issues, though its exact nature remains unspecified in the data.

Derbyshire Dales' crime rate in May 2024 rose by 31.6% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.3 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 32.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 13 crimes per day in May, reflecting a local rhythm of activity that aligns with seasonal patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 176 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. With a population of 71,757, this monthly exposure provides a tangible sense of how crime is distributed across the area. The rise in anti-social behaviour and other crime categories suggests shifts in community activity, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than national benchmarks.