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

Buxton (High Peak)’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.8% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while modest compared to major urban areas, underscores the need for continued attention to local crime patterns. The most prominent category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 44% of all reported crimes—significantly higher than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This category’s rate of 3.2 per 1,000 reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety, particularly in a small town where social interactions and community dynamics may amplify incidents of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson followed, contributing 13.3% and 12.7% respectively to the total crime count. These figures align with Buxton’s character as a rural area with limited commercial activity, where anti-social behaviour may be more visible due to smaller population densities and fewer public spaces to disperse such incidents. Seasonal context also plays a role: January’s shorter days and post-holiday period may contribute to a slight increase in violence and sexual offences, as colder weather and reduced retail footfall could drive individuals toward more isolated or vulnerable areas. The relatively low rates of property crimes, such as shoplifting (9.3%) and vehicle crime (2.0%), suggest that Buxton’s retail presence and limited urban infrastructure reduce opportunities for such offences. However, the sharp 200% rise in vehicle crime compared to December raises questions about whether this reflects a temporary spike or a more systemic issue. The overall crime profile illustrates a combination of local geography, seasonal factors, and community-specific dynamics, requiring targeted strategies to address the most pressing concerns.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in vehicle crime, rising from one to three incidents—a sharp spike that may be linked to the post-holiday period and increased vehicle movement during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, with 20 incidents reported, highlighting a potential shift in local dynamics during the winter months. In contrast, burglary fell by 71.4%, from seven to two cases, possibly reflecting reduced opportunities for intrusion during shorter daylight hours. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 44% of all crimes, remained 28% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This category’s increase by 11.9% compared to December suggests ongoing challenges in managing public safety in the area. Criminal damage and arson were 88% above the UK average, with 19 incidents reported—far exceeding the national rate of 0.5 per 1,000. Residents may find the 28% above UK average for violence and sexual offences particularly concerning, given the impact on community well-being.

Buxton (High Peak) recorded a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, a 5.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.8 per 1,000. This decline suggests a possible stabilization in local crime trends after a slight uptick in December. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five reported crimes each day, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of January, one crime occurred for roughly every 136 residents, a monthly exposure that contextualizes the impact of crime on the local population. Given Buxton’s status as a small town within a rural district, this rate aligns with patterns typically observed in areas with lower population densities and fewer commercial hubs. The reduction in burglary by 71.4% from December to January may be linked to seasonal factors, such as shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes.