Matlock Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Matlock's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.9% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly elevated, remains within a range typical for a built-up area in the Derbyshire Dales. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.9% of all reported incidents (35 cases), followed by shoplifting (13 cases, 16.7%) and public order offences (8 cases, 10.3%). These patterns align with Matlock's character as a town with a mix of residential and retail spaces, where violent incidents may be influenced by local social dynamics and seasonal factors. January's post-holiday period likely contributed to reduced opportunities for certain crimes, such as those linked to outdoor activity or retail footfall. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting—111% above the UK average—suggests a specific challenge in the town centre, potentially driven by the concentration of retail outlets and the timing of January sales events. The relative underperformance of anti-social behaviour (46% below UK average) and vehicle crime (73% below UK average) may reflect the area's lower population density and more dispersed residential layout, which could limit opportunities for these types of offences. While the overall crime rate remains marginally higher than the UK average, the significant decrease in violence and sexual offences compared to December indicates progress in addressing a key priority area for local authorities.

A significant decrease in violence and sexual offences (18.6% drop from 43 to 35 incidents) marked January 2026, representing the most substantial reduction in this category since at least December 2025. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, as post-holiday periods often see reduced public gatherings and retail activity in Matlock's town centre. Conversely, shoplifting incidents rose to 13 in January, placing the rate 111% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This stark discrepancy highlights a localised issue, potentially tied to Matlock's retail presence and the nature of its built-up area. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 100% (from 1 to 2 incidents), though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. The rise in possession of weapons (from 0 to 1 incident) and other crime (from 0 to 4 incidents) suggests emerging patterns requiring closer monitoring. These shifts in crime mix—particularly the relative decrease in anti-social behaviour (down 40%)—illustrate the dynamic nature of local criminal activity.

Matlock's crime rate in January 2026 (7.0 per 1,000 residents) represents a 2.5% decrease from December's 7.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend in overall criminal activity. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately three crimes reported each day in January, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 143 residents, illustrating the relative scale of crime in relation to Matlock's population of 11,179. While this monthly exposure rate is slightly higher than the UK average, it remains within a range consistent with other built-up areas in the Derbyshire Dales. The decrease from the previous month suggests that local factors—such as community engagement initiatives or seasonal shifts in criminal activity—may be contributing to this trend, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct causal links.