Ilkeston Crime Rate

Ilkeston, within the Erewash district, exhibits a crime rate of 118.0 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Ilkeston in a comparatively less safe position. While the overall safety score is 72 out of 100, which is below the national average of 79, the recent trend demonstrates a positive development, with crime decreasing by -13.9% year-on-year. This reduction offers a degree of reassurance, but ongoing vigilance and proactive measures remain essential to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Ilkeston's crime profile reveals a concerning concentration in specific areas. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for nearly half (41.5%) of all recorded incidents (1932 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely, with 737 reported cases, reflecting broader community concerns. Public order offences also contribute significantly, numbering 435, alongside a notable incidence of shoplifting (421) and criminal damage (342). While burglaries (135) and vehicle crime (129) appear lower in number compared to other categories, they remain areas of potential vulnerability for residents. The overall property crime rate stands at 33.0 per 1,000 residents, underlining the need for proactive security measures and community vigilance. The distribution of these crimes highlights the complex interplay of factors, including population density, economic activity, and social dynamics, within Ilkeston.

Crime rates in Ilkeston have been steadily decreasing between January 2025 and December 2025, showing a -13.9% year-on-year reduction. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks in June and July (around 11.5 per 1,000) and a noticeable dip in August (9.4 per 1,000). The final months of the year, particularly December (9.1 per 1,000), reflect a return to levels observed earlier in the year. This downward trend offers a degree of reassurance, however, continued vigilance and proactive crime prevention measures remain essential to sustain this positive momentum.

How To Keep Safe in Ilkeston

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups. Due to the frequency of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your vehicles properly to prevent theft, utilizing alarms and steering wheel locks. Finally, be cautious when handling personal belongings in public spaces to minimise the risk of theft, especially in areas known for shoplifting.

Criminal activity in Ilkeston exhibits patterns linked to the time of day. Burglaries are most likely to occur during the night (12am-6am), with 20% occurring then. Vehicle crime also peaks during these hours (32%), indicating a vulnerability to opportunistic theft. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees the highest incidence of theft, coinciding with commercial hours and increased foot traffic. While violence is less prevalent during any specific time, it tends to be more noticeable in the evening hours. Understanding these patterns can inform personal safety choices and contribute to targeted crime prevention strategies.

When compared to surrounding areas, Ilkeston's crime rate is significantly higher than Stanton-by-Dale (0.0 per 1,000), which enjoys a notably safer environment. Trowell (69.6 per 1,000) and West Hallam (27.3 per 1,000) show lower rates, while Awsworth (46.1 per 1,000) presents a more comparable level of crime. These variations underscore the localised nature of crime and highlight the importance of targeted safety initiatives within Ilkeston itself.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive approach with a system like scOS. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, often before an intruder even attempts entry. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and the system learns your routines to differentiate genuine activity from potential threats. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential burglars to reconsider their plans within those critical first 60 seconds – the timeframe most burglars operate in. While DIY systems have their place, scOS provides a professional-grade level of protection, actively preventing crime rather than simply recording it.