Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Derbyshire Dales continues to demonstrate a significantly lower crime rate than the UK average, with a recorded rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in December 2025—42.9% below the national figure of 7.0. This rural district’s crime profile is shaped by seasonal factors and local demographics, with violence and sexual offences making up 44.6% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.4%) and criminal damage and arson (10.4%). The dominance of violent crime in the area contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. December’s long nights and holiday season may contribute to increased incidents of violence, though the rate remains below the national benchmark. The sharp decline in burglary (73.1% month-on-month) could reflect reduced occupancy in homes during the festive period, while the rise in criminal damage and arson (+87.5%) may be linked to seasonal activities such as Christmas decorations or holiday-related disruptions. The area’s rural character, with limited urban centres and lower population density, likely plays a role in maintaining this lower crime rate, though the persistence of violent crime highlights the need for targeted local initiatives. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, empty homes, and heightened retail activity—adds complexity to the crime picture, with potential links to both increased opportunities for certain offences and community-driven prevention efforts.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in Derbyshire Dales’ crime trends, with burglary falling by 73.1% compared to the previous month, from 26 to 7 incidents. This steep decline may be attributed to the holiday season, with fewer people present in homes and increased community vigilance during the festive period. Conversely, criminal damage and arson rose sharply by 87.5%, from 16 to 30 incidents, a trend that could be tied to the increased use of decorative lighting and seasonal events in local areas. Shoplifting also saw a modest increase of 11.1%, linked to the Christmas shopping peak. Violent crime, while remaining the most common category, was 30% below the UK average (1.8 vs 2.6 per 1,000), suggesting that local factors—such as community cohesion or rural isolation—may mitigate the risk of violence compared to more densely populated regions. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.5 per 1,000, was 46% below the UK average, a statistic that might reflect the area’s lower population density and fewer public spaces where such incidents typically concentrate. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Derbyshire Dales, where seasonal and environmental factors interact with local conditions to shape the monthly picture.

In December 2025, Derbyshire Dales’ crime rate dropped by 10.4% compared to the previous month, falling from 4.5 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, underscores the area’s generally low crime levels, which persist despite seasonal challenges. On a daily basis, the district recorded an average of 9 crimes per day, a figure that may appear high in absolute terms but is proportionally lower when considering the population of 71,757 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 248 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many urban areas. The contrast with the UK average becomes even more pronounced when considering specific crime types: for instance, violence and sexual offences in Derbyshire Dales were 30% below the national rate, and anti-social behaviour was 46% below. These figures suggest that the district’s rural character and community structures may offer protective effects against certain types of crime. While the monthly exposure rate provides a snapshot of risk, it is important to contextualise it within the broader demographic and geographic profile of Derbyshire Dales, where the sparse population and limited urban centres likely contribute to the area’s consistently lower crime rates compared to the national average.