Matlock Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 revealed a stark contrast in Matlock's crime profile, with violence and sexual offences dominating the data. At 3.9 per 1,000 residents, this category alone accounted for 53.8% of all crimes reported—a rate 52% above the UK average. This outlier highlights a troubling trend, with the 43 recorded incidents representing a 48.3% increase from November's 29 cases. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, empty homes, and the peak of Christmas shopping—likely contributes to this surge, as heightened foot traffic in retail areas may create opportunities for targeted offences. Meanwhile, property crimes, though lower in absolute numbers (19 cases), remained a concern, with shoplifting and other thefts rising sharply. The UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, but Matlock's rate of 0.8 per 1,000 (40% above) suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail zones. This month's data also shows a significant divergence from the UK trend in anti-social behaviour, which in Matlock was 0.9 per 1,000 (3% below the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000). This slight reduction may reflect the impact of seasonal community events or local initiatives aimed at fostering positive interactions during the festive period. Overall, Matlock's crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000—2.9% above the UK average—underscores the importance of understanding local patterns, as national averages can obscure the specific challenges faced by a built-up area in Derbyshire. The interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics, such as the town's role as a tourist destination and commuter hub, likely plays a role in shaping these trends.

December saw a 400% surge in 'other theft' cases, rising from 1 to 5 incidents—a stark contrast to the 50% declines in burglary, public order offences, and drugs-related crimes. This shift in crime mix underscores a growing focus on property-related thefts, particularly as holiday shopping and festive events heighten opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 53.8% of all crimes, stood out as a significant outlier, with their rate (3.9 per 1,000) 52% above the UK average. This category alone contributed to Matlock's overall rate being 2.9% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, the 50% drop in burglary cases may reflect seasonal factors, such as fewer residents occupying homes during the holidays. For residents, the sharp rise in 'other theft' serves as a concrete reminder to secure valuables during the festive period.

Matlock's crime rate in December 2025 rose by 2.6% compared to November, marking a slight upward trend. The monthly exposure figure—1 reported crime for every 140 residents—provides a clear snapshot of the area's safety profile during the holiday season. With 3 crimes reported per day on average, the daily crime count remains consistent with typical patterns for a built-up area in Derbyshire. The population context reveals that Matlock's relatively small size amplifies the impact of even minor fluctuations in crime numbers. This monthly perspective underscores the importance of localized trends, as the UK-wide average cannot fully capture the specific dynamics of a town like Matlock, where seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and empty homes during the holidays may influence crime patterns. The data suggests that while overall rates remain stable, targeted interventions could address the spikes in violent crime and property theft observed in December.