Buxton (High Peak) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Buxton (High Peak) maintain a crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000, placing it 25% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (41.1% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.1%) and public order offences (9.2%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for these categories, where violence and sexual offences were 42% above the national rate, anti-social behaviour 21% above, and public order offences 71% above. Seasonal factors likely influenced this pattern, as February is a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. The area’s character as a built-up area within a rural district may contribute to these trends, with limited nightlife and fewer retail hubs compared to major urban centres. However, shoplifting (6.1 per 1,000) was 14% below the UK average, suggesting effective local deterrents or lower foot traffic in retail zones. The overall crime rate, while elevated, reflects a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with violent crime dominating the landscape.

February 2026 revealed stark month-on-month changes, with burglary rates surging by 400% (from 2 to 10 incidents), a jump that may reflect increased property vulnerability during colder months or shifts in criminal activity patterns. Theft from the person also rose sharply, doubling from zero to one incident, while vehicle crime tripled from three to six, potentially linked to seasonal variations in vehicle usage or storage. Conversely, other crime categories saw notable declines: other crime fell by 66.7% (from three to one), possession of weapons dropped by 33.3% (from three to two), and criminal damage and arson decreased by 31.6% (from 19 to 13), which could indicate successful community initiatives or seasonal inactivity. The crime mix shifted significantly, with violent crimes accounting for 41.1% of total incidents—far exceeding the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 14% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect Buxton’s smaller retail footprint or lower foot traffic compared to urban areas. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted strategies to address rising burglary and vehicle crime while building on the reductions in anti-social and property-related offences.

Compared to the previous month, February 2026 saw Buxton’s crime rate rise by 8.7% (from 7.4 to 8.0 per 1,000), marking a slight upward trend despite seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six crimes per day, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 125 residents. This figure, while specific to Buxton, provides a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents within the local population of 20,386. The increase in violent crime and property offences contrasts with the UK average, where Buxton’s rates for violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences are higher. However, the area’s shoplifting rate remains 14% below the UK average, suggesting a divergence in local crime patterns. For residents, these statistics underscore the importance of situational awareness, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of retail or public spaces. While the overall rate exceeds the national average, the month-on-month rise highlights the need for continued vigilance and community engagement to address emerging trends.