Buxton (High Peak) Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 20,386, Buxton (High Peak) recorded 239 crimes in May 2023, translating to a crime rate of 11.7 per 1,000 residents—46.2% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This rate highlights a significant disparity compared to the national benchmark, with the area’s crime profile dominated by violent and disorderly incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.1% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.0%) and public order offences (12.6%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK average for these categories, where violence and sexual offences are 62% below Buxton’s rate. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to the elevated levels of public order and anti-social behaviour. Buxton, a historic market town with a mix of urban and rural characteristics, experiences heightened activity during this time, particularly in its town centre and surrounding areas. The rise in violent crimes may also reflect the impact of late-night drinking and social gatherings, common in such towns during warmer months. However, direct links to specific events or demographics, and further analysis would be required to isolate contributing factors. The town’s relatively low property crime rate compared to the UK average (property crimes account for 28.4% of all crimes in Buxton, compared to a UK average of 35.6%) suggests that residential areas may be less targeted, though this could also be influenced by the town’s smaller scale and lower population density.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 225% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 4 to 13—a jump that outpaces all other categories. This surge may be tied to the town’s retail activity during May, including seasonal shopping and the Easter period’s residual impact. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 43.3%, reaching 43 incidents, which is 58% above the UK average. This spike aligns with the extended evenings and increased foot traffic in public spaces during May. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 42.9% (from 7 to 4), and drug-related incidents dropped by 80% (from 5 to 1), though the latter’s decline remains unexplained by the data. The category of violence and sexual offences, at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, is 62% above the UK average, underscoring Buxton’s particular vulnerability to this type of crime. The breakdown shows a stark contrast between Buxton’s violent crime profile and the UK’s, where such offences are more evenly distributed across urban and rural areas. Residents may find the 225% rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a potential shift in criminal focus toward retail outlets during this period. The data also reveals that public order offences, at 1.5 per 1,000, are 127% above the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions in areas prone to disorderly conduct.

Buxton’s crime rate in May 2023 (11.7 per 1,000) represents a 9.1% increase from April’s 10.7 per 1,000, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 8 crimes per day over the 31-day period—a figure that, while modest, underscores the consistent presence of criminal activity in a relatively small community. Monthly exposure data reveals that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 85 residents in May, a rate that, when considered alongside the UK’s overall average, highlights the area’s elevated risk. With a population of 20,386, Buxton’s crime rate is higher than the UK’s, despite its smaller size and lower population density. This discrepancy may be influenced by the town’s unique characteristics, such as its reliance on tourism and seasonal events, which can create environments conducive to anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The comparison to the UK also shows that Buxton’s violent crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, even as property crimes remain relatively low. For residents, this means that while burglary and vehicle crime are not major concerns, the likelihood of encountering violent or disorderly incidents is higher than in other parts of the country. The data does not provide a direct explanation for this gap, but the town’s historical and cultural dynamics, combined with its seasonal fluctuations, likely play a role.