Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Derbyshire Dales' crime rate in February 2025 stood at 3.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 44.8% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This rural district's crime profile reflects a balance between property and violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.7%) and other theft (11.2%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the subdued overall crime rate compared to busier periods. While violent crime remains the most prevalent category, the proportion of property crime (36.7% of total crimes) suggests a persistent need for targeted prevention efforts in areas with retail or community hubs. The area's relatively low crime rate, particularly when compared to the UK average, may be influenced by its rural character, where community cohesion and limited urban density could reduce opportunities for certain offences. However, the seasonal dip in activity may also mask underlying trends that emerge during warmer months, when tourism and outdoor events typically increase. The data underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance in addressing specific crime types, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which remain consistently lower than national averages but require sustained attention to prevent escalation.

February 2025 saw the most dramatic month-on-month shift in shoplifting, which surged by 141.7% (12 to 29 incidents). This sharp increase contrasts with a 52% decline in burglary (25 to 12), suggesting a possible reallocation of criminal activity from residential to retail spaces. The rise in shoplifting—now at 0.4 per 1,000 residents—remains 35% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, but the volume jump raises questions about potential factors such as seasonal retail patterns or changes in policing focus. Meanwhile, other crime category saw a 133.3% increase (6 to 14), though its rate (0.2 per 1,000) still sits 25% below the UK average. Violent crime—accounting for 33.3% of total incidents—remains 49% below the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000, a statistic that aligns with the area's rural profile, where community networks may deter interpersonal violence. Residents may find the 73% drop in vehicle crime (10 to 7) particularly relevant, as it indicates a continued reduction in theft from parked vehicles, linked to improved roadside security measures or lower traffic volumes during winter months.

Derbyshire Dales' crime rate rose 5.4% from 3.5 per 1,000 in January to 3.7 per 1,000 in February, reflecting a modest upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 10 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while low, highlights the persistent nature of crime even in rural settings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 269 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to densely populated areas. When viewed through the lens of population size (71,757 residents), the 267 total crimes reported in February represent a manageable burden for local authorities. increase in shoplifting suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail zones. The comparison to the UK average also reveals a stark contrast: while Derbyshire Dales' violent crime rate (1.2 per 1,000) is 49% below the national figure, the area's anti-social behaviour rate (0.6 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, indicating a broader success in maintaining public order. These statistics, when contextualised within the area's rural character, suggest that community-driven policing and local engagement initiatives may play a significant role in sustaining the region's lower-than-average crime levels.