Buxton (High Peak) Crime Rate

Buxton (High Peak) is the primary urban centre of the district, with an overall crime rate of 101.5 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the UK average of 93.1, which is common for regional hubs that attract significant numbers of visitors and commuters. Despite the higher volume of incidents, Buxton maintains a safety score of 76/100, close to the national average of 78. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with crime decreasing by 4.4% year-over-year. This suggests that while the town experiences more activity than its rural neighbours, safety levels are being effectively managed. The following analysis details the crime breakdown and time patterns to help residents stay informed.

Crime in Buxton (High Peak)

Buxton experiences a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.8% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.3% and public order offences at 10.1%. These figures are typical for a major regional hub with a busy town centre and active nightlife.

Property crime in Buxton is recorded at 30.6 per 1,000 people, which is close to the UK average of 32.9. This category includes shoplifting (8.3%), criminal damage and arson (7.8%), and other theft (6.6%). Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low at 3.0% and 2.7% respectively. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while serious residential break-ins are less frequent, opportunistic theft and vandalism in commercial and public areas are more common. Maintaining a visible security presence and securing personal property is essential in this urban environment to deter these types of offences.

Crime Trends in Buxton (High Peak)

The crime rate in Buxton is currently stable, showing a year-over-year decrease of 4.4%. This is a positive trend for the town, indicating that despite its role as a regional hub, safety levels are being maintained or slightly improved.

An analysis of the monthly trendData for 2024 and 2025 reveals a distinct seasonal pattern. Crime rates are at their lowest during the winter months, with a rate of 7.1 per 1,000 in February 2025. As the weather warms and visitor numbers increase, the rate climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 10.1 in June 2025. This summer surge is a common feature in tourist-friendly towns. The rate then fluctuates slightly before ending the period at 8.2 in October. For residents, this suggests that while the overall trend is down, they should remain extra vigilant during the late spring and summer months when public activity is at its highest and opportunistic crime is more likely to occur.

How To Keep Safe in Buxton (High Peak)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Buxton, often linked to the town's busy centre and nightlife. While overall safety remains reasonable, taking specific precautions can help you stay secure in this urban environment.

1. When out in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through quiet parks or poorly lit residential side streets.
2. Be particularly vigilant around the town centre and transport hubs during late-night hours, and try to stay in groups.
3. If you are using public car parks, ensure no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime peaks during the night-time hours.
4. Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps police allocate resources to specific hotspots in the town.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system for your home that can detect and deter intruders at the boundary, especially if you live near the town centre.

Crime in Buxton follows a clear urban cycle. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, making up 48% and 50% of crimes respectively. This is largely driven by the town's retail activity and daytime population. As the evening (6pm - 12am) sets in, the nature of crime shifts; theft drops to 21%, while 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rise to 53%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant change in property risk; vehicle crime peaks at 29% and burglary reaches 20%. This suggests that while daytime crime is mostly opportunistic retail theft, the night-time hours are when residential and vehicle security are most vulnerable. Residents should ensure their homes and cars are fully secured overnight to mitigate these specific risks.

In the local context, Buxton serves as the main hub for activity, which is reflected in its crime rate of 101.5. This is notably higher than the nearby settlement of Harpur Hill, which records a rate of 72.1. Other very small surrounding areas, such as Batham Gate, Tunstead, and Dove Holes, all show 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people in this dataset, highlighting the concentration of incidents within the town's urban core. For those considering the region, Buxton offers the most amenities but also the highest level of urban activity, while its immediate outskirts provide a much quieter, albeit more isolated, residential experience.

With a property crime rate of 30.6 per 1,000 people, Buxton residents should take home security seriously. Standard security measures, such as Ring or Nest cameras, are reactive; they notify you after someone has already entered your property or committed a crime. In a busy urban environment like Buxton, you need a system that prevents crime before it starts.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that provides proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, detecting potential threats before they reach your door. It can instantly verify vehicles and recognise your family’s routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. When an intruder is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise. For Buxton homeowners, scOS offers the ability to stop a burglary in its tracks, providing a level of security that traditional recording systems simply cannot match.