Desford Crime Rate

Desford Crime Overview

Desford maintains a strong safety record with an overall crime rate of 59.7 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK national average of 91.6. This performance earns the village a safety score of 85/100, indicating a secure environment for its 4,039 inhabitants. However, the area has seen a recent upward trend, with a year-over-year crime increase of 8.6%. Property crime in Desford stands at 21.8 per 1,000 people, which remains significantly lower than the national average of 32.2. While the village is generally safe, the combination of rising crime and a notable shoplifting rate suggests that both residents and local business owners should remain proactive about their security.

In Desford, violence and sexual offences are the most prominent crime type, accounting for 42.7% of all reports. Shoplifting is the second most common at 11.2%, followed by public order offences at 9.5%. Property crime in Desford occurs at a rate of 21.8 per 1,000 residents. This includes shoplifting (6.7 per 1,000), burglary (4.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.7 per 1,000), and other theft. With 16 burglaries and 15 vehicle crimes reported annually, property security is a significant consideration for the village. The relatively high rate of shoplifting suggests that local businesses are a primary target for opportunistic crime, while residents should remain vigilant regarding residential burglary and vehicle-related offences.

Desford's crime rate has shown an upward trend over the past year, with a total increase of 8.6%. The monthly data for 2025 reveals significant volatility. The year began with a rate of 5.9 in January, dropping to 3.5 in March. A sharp increase followed, with the crime rate peaking in May at 8.4 per 1,000 residents. Throughout the summer and autumn, the rate fluctuated between 3.5 and 4.5, before another rise to 5.7 was recorded in November. The year ended with a rate of 3.5 in December. This pattern of mid-year and late-year spikes suggests that criminal activity in Desford is subject to periodic increases. Residents should remain vigilant year-round, as the recent annual increase indicates that safety levels are currently under more pressure than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Desford

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Desford, followed by shoplifting. To stay safe and protect your property, consider the following advice:

• Business Security: For local shop owners, ensure your premises have clear sightlines and that high-value items are securely displayed. Shoplifting is the second most common crime in Desford, so stay vigilant during business hours.
• Afternoon Home Security: Burglary is most frequent in the afternoon (34%). Always ensure your home is fully locked when you are out, and consider using smart lighting to simulate occupancy.
• Overnight Vehicle Care: Vehicle crime peaks at 43% during the night-time hours. Park in well-lit areas or a garage, and never leave any items visible inside your vehicle.
• Personal Awareness: When walking through the village, especially after dark, stay alert and stick to well-lit main roads. Avoid being distracted by your phone or headphones.

Crime in Desford follows distinct temporal patterns that vary by type. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most prominent property concern, accounting for 27% and 28% of reports respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 34%, suggesting that residential properties are often targeted during the working day. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 40% of incidents. As night falls (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, surging to account for 43% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a significant concern at night (27%). These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is largely focused on theft and opportunistic burglary, the night-time hours present a heightened risk for vehicle theft. Residents and business owners should prioritize afternoon home security and overnight vehicle protection.

Compared to its neighbours, Desford has a slightly higher crime rate (59.7) than Newbold Verdon (55.4). It is, however, significantly more active than the tiny hamlets of Newtown Unthank, Peckleton Common, and Merry Lees, all of which recorded 0.0 crimes. Desford's position as a larger village with local amenities and businesses naturally results in more reported activity, particularly in categories like shoplifting. For those seeking a safe residential area that still offers local services, Desford provides a more secure environment than the regional average, despite the recent increase in reported incidents.

Desford's recent 8.6% increase in crime and its property crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 highlight the importance of effective security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For real protection, a proactive approach is necessary. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that prevents crime before it happens. By monitoring your cameras in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious activity at your property's perimeter. In Desford, where shoplifting is a major concern for businesses and burglary peaks in the afternoon, scOS can provide tailored protection. For homeowners, its ability to detect unauthorized vehicles and trigger autonomous deterrents like lighting is crucial, especially as vehicle crime accounts for 43% of night-time incidents. By choosing scOS, you are investing in a system that actively deters criminals, ensuring your home or business remains secure and helps reverse the recent upward trend in local crime.