Matlock Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

May 2025 saw Matlock's crime rate reach 10.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 24.7% above the UK average of 8.1. This marks a stark departure from the area's usual patterns, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 35.4% of all crimes reported—a significant share compared to the UK's 27% average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type, was 132% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the heightened sense of community concern. Seasonal factors appear to play a role, as May's longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising align with the rise in public order offences and violence. The area's character as a mixed-use built-up area within a rural district likely contributes to this mix, where urban challenges intersect with rural dynamics. Shoplifting—a typically urban issue—surged by 300% compared to April, though it remains below the UK average. This unexpected spike in retail-related crime, despite the area's limited high-street retail presence, suggests an anomaly warranting closer examination. The data illustrates a combination of local demographics, seasonal activity, and the broader regional context, with implications for community safety strategies in the coming months.

The most striking development in May 2025 was the 600% month-on-month increase in 'Other crime', rising from 1 to 7 incidents. This category, which includes a range of unclassified offences, now constitutes 6.2% of all crimes reported—a significant jump from its previous negligible share. Concurrently, shoplifting rose by 300%, though it remains 40% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the area's unique challenges, as shoplifting typically correlates with high-street density, which Matlock lacks. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 117.6%, reflecting a 32.7% share of total crimes, far exceeding the UK average of 1.4%. This spike may be linked to May's bank holidays and extended evenings, which could have amplified social interactions in public spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 75%, aligning with the UK average, suggesting that seasonal factors—such as reduced commuter traffic—may have played a role. For residents, the 300% rise in shoplifting, despite the area's limited retail presence, is a concrete data point that could prompt local businesses to reassess security measures.

Matlock's crime rate in May 2025 (10.1 per 1,000) represents a 39.4% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 7.3 per 1,000. This upward trend is stark when considering the daily crime context: 113 crimes reported over 31 days equate to an average of 4 crimes per day. On a monthly scale, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 99 residents, a figure that may feel high to some. When viewed against the UK average, Matlock's rate is 24.7% above the national benchmark, a gap that underscores the area's distinct challenges. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite Matlock's relatively small population (11,179 residents), the crime burden is concentrated enough to raise concerns. This comparison is particularly telling when considering the UK's overall lower rate, suggesting that local factors—such as the area's built-up character within a rural setting—may amplify certain types of crime. The 39.4% month-on-month rise, while significant, must be contextualised within the broader trend of seasonal fluctuations, as May's social dynamics and weather patterns likely contributed to the increased activity.