Hayfield Crime Rate

Hayfield is a highly secure village in the High Peak district, featuring a low crime rate of 44.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly better than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an excellent safety score of 88/100. While Hayfield has seen a 12.7% increase in reported crime over the past year, it remains one of the safest places to live in the region. The recent uptick in crime is a trend that residents should monitor, though the overall levels remain very low. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and timing to help residents and homeowners understand the safety landscape in Hayfield and take appropriate precautions to maintain their security.

In Hayfield, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 49.4% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.1% and criminal damage and arson at 9.0%. Together, these three categories represent the majority of local police activity. Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—has a combined rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents. Within this group, vehicle crime makes up 5.6% of total crime and burglary 2.2%. For homeowners, these figures suggest that while Hayfield is very safe, protecting vehicles and property from opportunistic theft remains a practical consideration. The prevalence of anti-social behaviour also highlights the need for visible security measures that can deter nuisance activity and maintain the village's peaceful environment.

Hayfield is currently experiencing a slight upward trend in crime, with a 12.7% year-over-year increase in total offences. Analysis of monthly data reveals a significant peak of 7.5 incidents per 1,000 in both June and July 2025. However, these peaks were followed by a steady decline, reaching a very low rate of 1.5 in October 2025. Overall, the trend shows some seasonal volatility but remains well below national averages. This slight increase in crime suggests that residents should be more vigilant, though the most recent data indicates that the village is returning to its typically high safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Hayfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Hayfield, accounting for nearly 50% of the total. To enhance your personal safety within the community:

1. Maintain good situational awareness when walking, especially during the evening, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
2. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-activated lighting, which can deter both antisocial behaviour and more serious offences.
3. If you are out late, try to travel with others or use well-trafficked routes that are familiar to you.
4. Be aware of your surroundings in public spaces and avoid displaying high-value items like expensive jewellery or smartphones.
5. Report any instances of harassment or suspicious loitering to the police promptly; community reporting is vital for effective local policing and prevention.

Crime timing in Hayfield shows clear variations throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are common, accounting for 27% and 32% of incidents respectively. As the day transitions into evening and night, the risk profile shifts significantly. Vehicle crime spikes dramatically at night (12am-6am), making up 46% of all incidents reported during those hours. Burglary also remains a factor throughout the day, peaking at 15% in the afternoon. This indicates that while the village is active during the day, vehicles are at their most vulnerable during the late-night and early-morning periods, while properties should be secured during the afternoon when they may be empty.

In the local context of the High Peak, Hayfield is one of the safest settlements. It is considerably more secure than nearby New Mills, which has a crime rate of 61.9 per 1,000. It has a very similar safety profile to Birch Vale (45.0) and is slightly more active than Furness Vale (41.7) and Chinley (30.4). Hayfield's rate of 44.7 is remarkably low for a village of its size and popularity with visitors. For those seeking a safe, residential community in the area, Hayfield stands out as a premier choice, providing a high level of security that far exceeds both the local and national averages.

With a property crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 in Hayfield, homeowners should focus on proactive prevention. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive, often only alerting you once someone is already at your door, providing footage of a crime rather than preventing it. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a superior alternative by focusing on prevention. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between regular visitors and suspicious activity, and its autonomous response—activating lights or audio alerts—destroys the element of surprise for intruders. For Hayfield residents, especially given that vehicle crime risk peaks significantly at night, an AI system that provides real-time intervention is the most effective way to ensure your property and cars are not easy targets. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI protection is essential for maintaining safety in an area where property crime remains a factor.