Matlock Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance of crime types in Matlock during August 2023 reveals a mix of public order and personal safety concerns. With a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents—3.7% above the UK average—the area saw a significant share of violent and sexual offences (31.9% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (21.3%). This distribution suggests a combination of community dynamics and local pressures, particularly during August, a peak holiday month. The prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour may partly explain the 25% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, potentially linked to increased social interactions and tourism. Meanwhile, property crimes accounted for 30 of the 94 total offences, but their share (31.9%) was lower than violent crimes, a contrast to some urban areas where property crime often dominates. The seasonal context of August—when tourism peaks and some homes may be unoccupied—likely contributes to the 100% rise in burglary, though this remains a small proportion of overall crime. Other theft (11 cases) and drugs (4 cases) also stood out, with the former 59% above the UK average and the latter 82% above, indicating potential local challenges in these categories. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (39% below UK average) and burglary (41% below UK average) suggest that Matlock's built-up area and its lower density compared to major cities may act as mitigating factors. This mix of crime types illustrates a town grappling with both immediate public safety concerns and underlying socioeconomic factors, warranting targeted community engagement and policing strategies.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in Matlock’s crime profile, with burglary and drug-related offences doubling compared to July, while vehicle crime and criminal damage fell sharply. The 100% increase in burglary—rising from one to two incidents—may reflect the seasonal impact of August, when holiday absences could leave properties more vulnerable. Similarly, drug offences doubled, linked to increased transient populations or seasonal social patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 62.5%, from eight to three incidents, a decline that could be attributed to fewer vehicle-related activities during summer holidays or improved security measures. The crime mix also showed striking contrasts with the UK average: anti-social behaviour was 25% above the national rate, driven by the influx of tourists and the challenges of managing public spaces during peak season. Other theft, at 59% above the UK average, highlights a specific vulnerability in Matlock, tied to retail or residential environments. In contrast, burglary and vehicle crime were both significantly below UK averages, aligning with the area’s likely lower population density and the protective effect of a built-up area’s infrastructure. For residents, the sharp rise in drug offences—now at 0.4 per 1,000—offers a concrete insight into a growing concern that may require localised interventions.

Matlock’s August 2023 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents marked a 4.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.8 per 1,000, suggesting a short-term stabilisation in crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly three crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents than aggregate statistics. When scaled to the population of 11,179, this translates to one reported crime for every 119 residents over the course of the month—a metric that provides context for the likelihood of encountering crime in daily life. Compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, Matlock’s rate remained slightly elevated, though the overall volume of crimes (94) was modest given the area’s population. This contrast with the UK average is particularly evident in categories like anti-social behaviour and drugs, where local rates were significantly higher. However, the lower rates of burglary and vehicle crime compared to the UK suggest that Matlock’s built-up area and possibly its smaller scale may offer some protective factors against certain types of crime. For residents, the 4.1% monthly decline in the overall rate indicates a potential shift in local dynamics, though the persistent above-average rates in specific categories underscore the need for targeted policing and community initiatives.