Matlock Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Matlock, a built-up area within Derbyshire Dales, the per-capita risk of experiencing crime in March 2024 translates to one reported incident for every 126 residents over the course of the month. With a crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents, this places the town 3.9% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (28 incidents, 31.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15 incidents, 16.9%) and public order offences (15 incidents, 16.9%). These figures align with the seasonal transition to spring, when longer evenings may increase opportunities for public order incidents and anti-social behaviour. The relatively high rate of violence and sexual offences contrasts with the UK average for this category, which stands at 2.7 per 1,000. However, Matlock's rate for this category is 6% below the UK average, highlighting a complex mix of local dynamics. The town's position as a rural commuter hub, with limited nightlife infrastructure compared to larger urban centres, may partly explain the lower rates of violence compared to other areas. Conversely, the sharp rise in public order offences—141% above the UK average—suggests a need for closer examination of local enforcement patterns or community engagement strategies in public spaces. As March marks the transition from winter to spring, the lengthening evenings and changing social rhythms may contribute to shifts in crime patterns, though these remain speculative without further data.

March 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences surging by 400% compared to February, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This dramatic increase, though still relatively low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal patterns or changes in local enforcement priorities. Shoplifting also experienced a 175% month-on-month increase, rising from 4 to 11 incidents, a figure that is 64% above the UK average for this category. This sharp rise could be linked to the timing of Easter school holidays, which may have influenced retail footfall and opportunities for theft. Conversely, anti-social behaviour incidents fell by 55.9% compared to the previous month, dropping from 34 to 15. This decline, while notable, may reflect the start of the Easter break reducing daytime congregation in public spaces. The town's public order offences—15 incidents—were 141% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 31% below UK levels seen in criminal damage and arson. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions in public spaces, where the 15 public order incidents were concentrated. Residents may find the 3.9% overall crime rate increase compared to the UK average particularly relevant, though this figure masks significant variations across different offence categories. The combination of rising shoplifting rates and falling anti-social behaviour incidents illustrates the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, which may be influenced by both seasonal factors and local policing strategies.

Matlock's crime rate in March 2024 (8.0 per 1,000 residents) represents a 12.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.1 per 1,000. This decline, while modest in absolute terms, translates to a reduction of roughly 3.5 crimes per 1,000 residents over the course of the month. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of 3 crimes per day in March—a figure that, while low compared to major urban centres, reflects the population density of Matlock's built-up area. When scaled to the local population, this means that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, though it does not account for the uneven distribution of crime across different areas within the town. The 3.9% above-UK-average crime rate must be contextualised within Matlock's unique character as a rural commuter hub. Unlike larger cities with 24/7 economic activity, Matlock's lower population density and limited nightlife infrastructure may contribute to lower rates of certain crimes while amplifying others. For instance, the 141% above-UK-average rate of public order offences in Matlock may be partially explained by the town's role as a destination for regional tourism, where transient populations may contribute to incidents in public spaces. This comparison underscores the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to local demographics rather than relying on national averages.