Desford Crime Rate

Desford Crime Overview

Desford is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 85/100. When compared to the UK average safety score of 78, Desford offers a high degree of security for its 4,039 inhabitants. The recent crime trend direction is increasing, with an 18.5% rise in year-over-year crime figures. Despite this upward movement, the area remains considerably safer than the national benchmark, though residents should stay informed about local safety developments.

Crime Breakdown in Desford

In Desford, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which constitute 45.3% of all incidents. Shoplifting is the second most common issue at 10.3%, followed by public order offences at 9.1%. For residents, the overall property crime rate is 21.0 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (4.9%), criminal damage and arson (7.0%), and vehicle crime (7.0%). While Desford is generally safe, the higher percentage of shoplifting and public order offences suggests that property-related concerns are often linked to commercial activity and anti-social behaviour.

Desford Crime Trends

The crime trend in Desford is currently increasing, with an 18.5% rise in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate fluctuated between 2.7 and 8.4 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in November 2024 (2.7), while the highest was in May 2025 at 8.4. This upward movement suggests that residents should be more vigilant, although the overall crime rate remains well below the national average. Consistent monitoring of local safety reports is recommended.

How To Keep Safe in Desford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Desford. To stay safe in this localized urban context, consider these tips:

• When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through less populated areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings in public spaces, particularly during the evening and night when anti-social behaviour may increase.
• Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to discourage loitering and opportunistic theft.
• If socialising, plan your journey home in advance and use reputable taxi services or walk with friends.
• Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about safety initiatives and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Time Patterns of Crime in Desford

Crime in Desford follows distinct temporal trends. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 26% and 29% of reports in those periods respectively. This aligns with peak activity in local shops. Burglary is most frequently reported in the afternoon (28%) and evening (22%). Vehicle crime peaks at night, making up 48% of offences between midnight and 6am. These patterns suggest that opportunistic property crimes are linked to daytime commercial activity and reduced visibility or property occupancy during the night. Residents should adjust their security routines accordingly.

Local Context and Nearby Areas

Desford is situated in a cluster of settlements with varying crime profiles. With a rate of 60.2 per 1,000, it has a similar crime rate to neighbouring Newbold Verdon (57.8). Nearby Newtown Unthank, Peckleton Common, and Merry Lees all report 0.0 crimes in this dataset. While Desford's rate is higher than its immediate neighbours, it remains well below the national average. These figures suggest that Desford is a relatively active urban centre within its immediate local context.

Protecting Your Desford Property

With a property crime rate of 21.0 per 1,000 people, residents in Desford should consider the benefits of proactive home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a superior alternative by using AI-powered boundary detection to identify threats before they reach your home. In an area where shoplifting and public order offences are notable, scOS's ability to monitor all cameras simultaneously and verify vehicle plates is a significant advantage. The system can autonomously activate lights or sirens to deter potential offenders, destroying the element of surprise. For those seeking to prevent property crime rather than just record it, scOS provides a professional-grade solution that significantly enhances the safety of your home and family.