High Peak Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, High Peak's crime profile revealed a marked dominance of violent crime over property crime, a pattern that may reflect the area's social and economic dynamics. The overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed the district 13.7% below the UK average, a figure that underscores its relatively low-risk environment compared to more densely populated regions. Violent crimes accounted for 33.8% of all reported incidents, with 214 cases recorded—substantially higher than property crimes, which numbered 206. This imbalance could be attributed to the area's mix of urban and rural characteristics, where town centres like Buxton host higher concentrations of social interaction, while rural areas see fewer property-related offences. The seasonal context of September, with the return of students to local universities and the start of the academic year, likely contributed to increased incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, shoplifting and burglary, though lower than the UK average for the former and significantly higher for the latter, highlight the dual nature of crime in the area. The UK average for violent crimes (2.7 per 1,000) was 16% higher than High Peak's rate, while anti-social behaviour exceeded the national figure by 12%, pointing to localised challenges in managing public conduct. These patterns suggest that while High Peak's overall crime environment is safer than the UK average, targeted interventions may be needed in specific sectors, such as alcohol-related incidents in town centres or addressing the 56% increase in burglary compared to the national rate.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in possession of weapons (+200%) and bicycle theft (+200%), though these remained low in absolute terms. Theft from the person surged by 166.7%, potentially linked to the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in areas like Buxton's high street. In contrast, vehicle crime dropped 51.5%, possibly due to fewer summer road trips and reduced car usage in rural areas. Public order offences fell 36%, which may reflect the winding down of summer festivals and events. Violent crimes, at 2.3 per 1,000, remain 16% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour exceeds the national rate by 12%. The property crime rate of 0.6 per 1,000 is 7% above the UK average, with shoplifting and burglary showing notable contributions to this balance. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local demographics.

High Peak's September 2023 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents remained stable compared to August's 7.0, reflecting a -1.1% month-on-month change. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in crime trends during the transition from summer to autumn. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 21 reported crimes per day, a figure that aligns with the local context of a mixed rural-urban district. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 145 residents, placing High Peak in the lower quartile of UK local authorities for monthly exposure. When compared to the UK average, this rate is 13.7% below the national figure of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap consistent with the area's relatively low population density and limited urban centres. The population-scaled perspective reveals that High Peak's residents face a crime risk significantly lower than the national average, though localised pockets—such as the Buxton town centre—may see higher concentrations of specific offences.