Matlock Crime Rate

Matlock is a safe and well-maintained market town with a safety score of 79/100, which is slightly above the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate is 93.4 per 1,000 residents, which is almost identical to the national average of 93.1. Recent data shows that the crime trend is very stable, with a minor 0.4% increase year-over-year. As the administrative centre for Derbyshire Dales, Matlock's crime statistics reflect its role as a commercial and social hub. While the town is generally safe, understanding the specific crime patterns and temporal trends can help residents and business owners maintain this high standard of safety. This report provides a detailed analysis of the crime statistics for Matlock.

Crime in Matlock

Matlock's crime landscape is primarily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.3% of all reported incidents (33.0 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 22.0%, followed by shoplifting at 9.8%. These statistics reflect Matlock's status as a busy market town and administrative centre, where public-facing offences are more frequent.

Overall property crime in Matlock—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—stands at a rate of 23.7 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting is a notable factor, representing nearly 10% of total crime, which is typical for a town with a significant retail sector. Burglary is relatively rare, accounting for only 1.3% of total crime. While the overall property crime rate is moderate, the prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour suggests that both residents and business owners should maintain a high level of situational awareness and robust security.

Crime Trends in Matlock

Matlock has seen a very stable crime trend, with a minor 0.4% increase year-over-year. The monthly trend data shows a consistent pattern with some fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 5.6 in November 2024 and reached its highest point of 10.1 in May 2025.

Other peaks occurred in August and October 2025, with rates of 8.6 and 8.7 respectively. These slight increases may be linked to seasonal events or increased tourism during the summer and autumn. Since the spring peak, the rate has remained relatively steady, ending at 8.7 in October 2025. This stability is a very positive indicator for the town, suggesting that the local safety environment is well-managed. Residents can feel confident in the area's ongoing safety, as the 0.4% change indicates no significant shift in criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Matlock

The most common crime in Matlock is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe in the town, consider the following advice:

1. Be Aware in the Town Centre: Matlock's town centre can be busy, especially on weekends. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight.
2. Secure Your Business: If you own a shop or business, ensure you have robust security measures in place to deter shoplifting. This includes good lighting, CCTV, and staff training.
3. Use Motion-Sensor Lighting: Install bright, motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home. This is an effective deterrent for opportunistic crime, especially in residential areas.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police. Prompt reporting helps the authorities manage resources and maintain the town's safe environment.
5. Secure Your Vehicle: While vehicle crime is low, the risk increases at night. Always lock your car and avoid leaving any valuables on display, especially if parking on the street overnight.

Crime Timing in Matlock

The timing of crime in Matlock shows a clear focus on theft during the day and an increased risk to vehicles at night. In the morning and afternoon, theft accounts for 44% and 51% of reported incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft, including shoplifting, is most common during peak shopping and activity hours.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the risk profile shifts. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'Other' offences, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 63% of incidents. The night-time (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which rises to 30% of all reported incidents. Burglary also peaks at 10% during the night. These patterns indicate that while the day is more prone to retail-related theft, the night brings a much higher risk of vehicle-related crime and property intrusion, highlighting the need for good night-time security.

In the local context, Matlock is a busier hub than its immediate neighbours. Its crime rate of 93.4 is higher than Darley Dale (57.2) and Tansley (48.6), reflecting its larger population and more extensive retail sector. Nearby areas like Matlock Bath and Bonsall report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset, highlighting the contrast between the main town and the surrounding smaller settlements. For those seeking a safe urban environment with plenty of amenities, Matlock offers a good balance, remaining significantly more secure than larger regional cities like Derby or Chesterfield.

Matlock's property crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 is moderate, but the prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the town centre can spill over into residential areas. In a busy market town, the goal of security should be proactive prevention. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are reactive—they record an incident as it happens, which provides evidence but does not stop the crime.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, allowing it to activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This proactive boundary detection is designed to stop a burglar or thief before they can cause damage or loss. For residents of Matlock, scOS provides the ultimate peace of mind, ensuring that your home is protected by the most advanced AI technology available.