High Peak Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

High Peak's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 10% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure underscores a persistent divergence from national trends, particularly in violent crime categories. Violence and sexual offences formed the largest single category, accounting for 37.2% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.1%) and public order offences (10.2%). These patterns align with seasonal dynamics typical of May, when extended daylight hours and bank holidays may contribute to increased socialising and outdoor activity. The area’s relatively high rate of violent crime compared to the UK average contrasts with lower rates for shoplifting and vehicle crime, which sit 39% and 56% below national figures respectively. This divergence may reflect local characteristics, such as a mix of rural and semi-urban environments where community policing efforts could mitigate certain crime types while others, like anti-social behaviour, remain challenging. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings and increased outdoor drinking—likely exacerbates public order issues, which rose 36% above the UK average. These factors suggest that while High Peak’s overall crime rate exceeds the national benchmark, the types of crime experienced here are shaped by both geographic and temporal influences.

May 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Robbery incidents doubled, rising from 2 to 4, while shoplifting more than doubled from 13 to 26—a shift that may reflect increased retail activity during the month’s bank holidays. Conversely, drug-related offences fell sharply by 53.8%, and vehicle crime dropped 44.4%, potentially linked to reduced traffic volumes or altered patterns of vehicle usage. The crime mix also shifted with violent crimes accounting for over a third of all incidents, compared to 19% nationally. This imbalance highlights a local challenge in managing aggression-related incidents, which were 19% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, both of which are high in High Peak, may be influenced by the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, where late-night activity could fuel such incidents. Residents should note the 100% increase in robbery, a category that saw the most dramatic rise, though it remains below the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during peak social periods.

High Peak’s crime rate in May 2023 rose 13.1% compared to April’s 7.8 per 1,000, reflecting a marked upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while locally specific, illustrates the frequency of incidents in a community of 91,959 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised with the area’s population, suggests a moderate but consistent level of criminal activity. This rate is higher than the UK average, which may be attributed to the area’s unique demographic and geographic profile. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader perspective on how crime impacts the population over time. High Peak’s elevated rates for violent crime and anti-social behaviour contrast with its lower rates for vehicle crime and shoplifting, illustrating a combination of local conditions and national trends. These comparisons highlight the importance of understanding both absolute figures and their relative positioning within the UK context to inform community safety strategies.