High Peak Crime Rate

High Peak is a relatively safe local authority area, with an overall crime rate of 73.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 83/100. Recent data shows that crime in the area is stable, having decreased by 2.9% year-over-year. This suggests that local safety initiatives and policing are effectively managing the challenges posed by the area's unique mix of urban centres and rural landscapes. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime prevalent in High Peak and offers context for residents and visitors on how these statistics compare nationally and locally.

About High Peak

High Peak is a diverse local authority area in Derbyshire, encompassing a mix of historic market towns like Buxton and Glossop, alongside vast stretches of the Peak District National Park. The area's characteristics are defined by its dual identity as both a popular tourist destination and a residential hub for commuters to Manchester and Sheffield. Major employers in the region range from tourism and hospitality to manufacturing and quarrying.

The crime statistics in High Peak are influenced by several factors. The high volume of visitors to the National Park, especially during summer months, can lead to seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft. Towns like Buxton and Glossop also feature active night-time economies which contribute to public order and personal safety figures. While much of the area is rural and suburban, its proximity to major urban centres means it is not entirely isolated from broader regional crime trends. Economic factors, including the cost of living and local employment opportunities, also play a role in shaping the area's overall safety profile. Understanding these dynamics helps explain why High Peak maintains a relatively high safety score despite being an active and transient region.

Crime in High Peak

Violence and sexual offences are the most significant crime category in High Peak, accounting for 39.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.8% and public order offences at 9.9%. These top categories reflect a common pattern in areas with concentrated town centres and active public spaces.

Property crime in High Peak occurs at a rate of 21.1 per 1,000 people, which is comfortably below the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary (3.8%), shoplifting (6.9%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and other theft (5.4%). While the overall property crime rate is moderate, the presence of shoplifting and criminal damage (8.0%) suggests that commercial areas and public property are frequent targets. For residents, this means that while the risk of personal property crime like burglary is relatively low, maintaining basic security and being aware of opportunistic theft in public areas remains important. The combined impact of these crimes shapes the overall safety perception for homeowners and business owners across the district.

Crime Trends in High Peak

The crime trend in High Peak is currently stable, showing a minor decrease of 2.9% year-over-year. This consistency is a positive indicator for the region, suggesting that crime levels are being successfully managed despite economic and social pressures.

A review of the monthly trendData from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a clear seasonal pattern. Crime rates remain relatively low during the winter months, starting at 5.4 per 1,000 in November 2024. However, there is a steady climb as the weather improves, peaking in June 2025 at 7.3 per 1,000. This upward trend during the summer months is likely linked to increased tourist activity and more people using public spaces. The rate then begins to subside in the autumn, returning to 5.5 in September before a slight rise in October. For residents, this means that while the overall trend is stable, extra vigilance is recommended during the busier summer period when public activity is at its highest.

When compared to its larger urban neighbours, High Peak presents a distinct safety profile. In this dataset, neighbouring areas such as Tameside, Stockport, Sheffield, Oldham, Barnsley, and Manchester all show a recorded crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, which likely reflects a difference in data reporting or specific focus areas for this period. However, in a broader regional context, High Peak's rate of 73.2 is much lower than the typical rates found in major metropolitan centres. For residents, this reinforces High Peak's status as a safer, more suburban and rural alternative to the nearby cities, while still requiring the standard precautions associated with any active local authority district.

With a property crime rate of 21.1 per 1,000 people, High Peak residents face a moderate level of risk that warrants serious attention to home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or reactive cameras like Ring and Nest, often fail to prevent crime. These devices typically notify you only after an intruder has already breached your home, providing footage of the event rather than stopping it.

For those seeking true peace of mind, scOS offers a proactive solution. As an AI-powered home security operating system, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It is designed to detect threats at the perimeter, not after a break-in has occurred. By identifying suspicious patterns and verifying vehicles instantly, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as lights and audio alerts—that destroy the element of surprise for would-be burglars. In an area like High Peak, where property crime is a persistent factor, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention with scOS is the most effective way to secure your home.

How To Keep Safe in High Peak

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type across High Peak, particularly in the district's larger towns. While the area is generally safe, taking broader regional safety precautions can help you stay secure.

1. When visiting town centres like Buxton or Glossop in the evening, stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone through isolated parks or alleyways.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings during peak tourist seasons or large public events, as these can attract opportunistic offenders.
3. Use personal safety apps to share your location with friends or family when travelling across the district at night.
4. If you are a victim of or witness to anti-social behaviour, report it promptly to the local police to help them identify and address hotspots.
5. In rural parts of the district, ensure that your home and any outbuildings are securely locked, as isolation can sometimes make properties a target for opportunistic theft.