Rural Derbyshire Dales Crime Rate

Rural Derbyshire Dales is an exceptionally safe area, boasting a safety score of 90/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate is 45.0 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 93.1. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a minor 2.0% increase year-over-year. This secure environment is a hallmark of the rural parts of the district, which comprise picturesque villages and natural landscapes. While the area is generally very safe, understanding the specific crime patterns and temporal trends can help residents maintain this high standard of safety. This report provides a detailed analysis of the crime statistics for the rural areas of Derbyshire Dales.

Crime in Rural Derbyshire Dales

The crime profile in Rural Derbyshire Dales is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.4% of all reported incidents (14.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.2%, followed closely by other theft at 14.5%. These statistics reflect the typical pattern for rural areas, where personal and opportunistic theft offences are more prominent than high-volume urban crimes.

Overall property crime in Rural Derbyshire Dales—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—stands at a rate of 17.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Burglary accounts for 7.1% of total crime, which is a notable figure for a rural area. The combined impact of theft and burglary suggests that while the area is very safe overall, residents should still prioritise home security to protect against opportunistic property crime. The low vehicle crime rate is a positive indicator for residents in more isolated locations.

Crime Trends in Rural Derbyshire Dales

Rural Derbyshire Dales has seen a very stable crime trend, with a minor 2.0% increase year-over-year. The monthly trend data shows a consistent pattern with some fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 2.8 in November 2024 and reached its highest point of 5.5 in May 2025.

Another peak occurred in August 2025 at 4.9. These slight increases in the late spring and summer months may be linked to increased outdoor activity and tourism in the rural areas. Since the summer, the rate has trended slightly downwards, reaching 3.0 in October 2025. This stability is a very positive indicator for the area, suggesting that the local safety environment remains well-managed and consistently secure. Residents can feel confident in the area's ongoing safety, as the 2.0% change is statistically negligible.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Derbyshire Dales

The most common crime in Rural Derbyshire Dales is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To maintain your safety in this very secure area, consider the following advice:

1. Secure Your Perimeter: In rural settings, ensuring that all entry points to your property, including gates and outbuildings, are securely locked is essential. Use high-quality padlocks and heavy-duty hinges.
2. Use Motion-Sensor Lighting: Install bright, motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home and any outbuildings. This is an effective deterrent for opportunistic crime, especially in areas with no street lighting.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Even in very safe areas, it's important to stay alert when walking alone at night. Stick to familiar routes and carry a charged mobile phone.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any unusual vehicles or individuals in your area, report them to the local police. Prompt reporting helps the authorities monitor rural crime patterns effectively.
5. Mark Your Property: Use forensic marking kits to identify valuable tools and equipment. This makes them less attractive to thieves and easier to return if they are stolen and recovered.

Crime Timing in Rural Derbyshire Dales

The timing of crime in Rural Derbyshire Dales shows a clear focus on theft during the daylight hours and property risk at night. In the morning and afternoon, theft accounts for 61% and 62% of reported incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when there is more activity in the area.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the risk profile shifts toward property-related offences. In the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary and vehicle crime account for a combined 32% of incidents. This risk peaks during the night (12am - 6am), where burglary accounts for 29% and vehicle crime for 27% of all reported crimes. These patterns indicate that while the day is more prone to theft, the night brings a much higher risk of property intrusion and vehicle-related crime, making night-time security a top priority for rural residents.

In the local context, Rural Derbyshire Dales is one of the most secure areas. It is significantly safer than the district's main towns, such as Matlock (93.4) and Ashbourne (64.9). While it cannot match the 0.0 crime rates of some very small, isolated settlements, it offers a high level of security for its population size. For those seeking a safe and peaceful residential environment within the Derbyshire Dales district, the rural areas represent an excellent choice, combining the beauty of the countryside with a consistently low risk of crime compared to the busier regional hubs.

Rural Derbyshire Dales enjoys an exceptionally low property crime rate of 17.1 per 1,000, but the impact of burglary and theft can still be significant in these close-knit communities. In an area known for its safety, the goal of security should be proactive prevention to maintain its peaceful character. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive—they record an incident as it happens, which provides evidence but does not stop the crime.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, allowing it to activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This proactive boundary detection is designed to stop a burglar or thief before they can cause damage or loss. For residents of Rural Derbyshire Dales, scOS provides the ultimate peace of mind, ensuring that your home is protected by the most advanced AI technology available.