Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Derbyshire Dales’ crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, shaped by the area’s rural character and seasonal rhythms. The overall crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents, 47.1% below the UK average, underscores the district’s relatively low levels of criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 40.2% of all incidents—this category was 40% below the UK average, likely reflecting the area’s sparse population and limited opportunities for large-scale interpersonal conflicts. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.9% of total crimes, was 57% below the national rate, consistent with the quieter, more dispersed nature of rural communities. Shoplifting (10.3% of crimes) and criminal damage (8.4%) also lagged significantly behind UK averages, potentially influenced by reduced retail footfall during January’s post-holiday lull. The data suggests a seasonal pattern where outdoor crimes typical of urban centres—such as vehicle crime and public order offences—are less frequent here, while interpersonal violence remains a notable but manageable concern. This profile aligns with Derbyshire Dales’ identity as a largely rural district with fewer commercial hubs and a population spread across open countryside, where community cohesion may act as a natural deterrent to certain types of crime. The absence of major urban centres likely contributes to the lower prevalence of property-related crimes. increase in 'other crime' (from 0.2 to 0.2 per 1,000) hints at unexplained shifts that warrant closer monitoring.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident) and burglary rising by 71.4% (from 7 to 12 incidents). These increases, though modest in absolute terms, suggest potential changes in local dynamics, such as heightened awareness or reporting. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 37.5% (from 8 to 5 incidents), a decline consistent with reduced traffic during the post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours. The crime mix also revealed a significant imbalance: violence and sexual offences (40.2% of all crimes) were 40% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (11.9%) was 57% below the national rate. This contrast highlights the area’s lower prevalence of disorderly conduct compared to more densely populated regions. For residents, the 30% reduction in shoplifting (from 0.6 to 0.4 per 1,000) may reflect seasonal retail inactivity, though the 25% increase in 'other crime' (from 0.2 to 0.2 per 1,000) remains unexplained by the data provided.

Derbyshire Dales’ crime rate in January 2026 fell to 3.6 per 1,000 residents, a 9.7% drop from the previous month’s 4.0 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with seasonal patterns typical of rural areas during January, when reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for outdoor crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately eight crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 275 residents, a measure that highlights the relative rarity of crime in this district compared to national averages. While this monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, the population context underscores that crime remains infrequent in Derbyshire Dales, even during periods of post-holiday activity. The shift in crime type distribution, with violence and sexual offences making up 40.2% of all incidents, suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts rather than property-related crimes, a trend that contrasts with urban centres where property crimes often dominate. This balance may reflect the area’s character as a largely rural district with fewer concentrated commercial hubs.