Matlock Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 marked a notable shift in Matlock's crime profile, with public order offences surging by 66.7% to become the third most common category, reflecting the seasonal impact of back-to-school activity and the area's built-up character. The overall crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11.3% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the interplay between local demographics and broader national trends. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 30.3% of all reported crimes, a rate (2.7 per 1,000) that matched the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, however, stood out as significantly higher than the UK rate (42% above), potentially linked to the area's compact nature and the concentration of social spaces. Seasonal factors likely played a role in these patterns, as the transition from summer to autumn may have influenced both community interactions and the visibility of certain offences. While property crimes (26 cases) and violent crimes (30 cases) maintained a roughly balanced distribution, the sharp rise in public order offences suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas frequented by students or during late-night hours. The data also reveals a paradox: shoplifting decreased slightly, due to reduced foot traffic as evenings grew shorter, while drug-related offences remained 100% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect persistent challenges in addressing illicit activity in the area. These findings underscore the importance of contextual analysis, as Matlock's unique position within Derbyshire Dales—as a built-up area with a mix of urban and rural influences—shapes its crime profile in ways distinct from both major cities and more isolated communities.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in September 2023 was a 66.7% increase in public order offences, rising from 9 to 15 cases. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as the area's built-up nature and proximity to educational institutions may amplify tensions during the back-to-school period. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime type, with 21 incidents reported—42% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. This category's elevation suggests a need for targeted community engagement strategies. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 14.3% (from 7 to 6), a decline that may reflect heightened awareness during the autumn transition. Possession of weapons saw a 100% increase, with one reported case in September. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, where seasonal and demographic factors can drive significant shifts in offence types.

Matlock's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 8.9 per 1,000 residents, a 5.4% increase from August's 8.4 per 1,000. This places the area 11.3% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, though the gap remains consistent with prior months. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 3 crimes reported each day in September, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity and population density. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in a population of 11,179. While this rate is not alarmingly high, it underscores the need for continued monitoring, particularly in areas where specific crime types like anti-social behaviour or public order offences have shown marked increases. The comparison to the UK average highlights Matlock's distinct profile, where the built-up nature of the area may contribute to higher rates of certain offences compared to more rural or dispersed communities.