South Derbyshire Crime Rate

South Derbyshire maintains a strong reputation for safety, characterised by a crime rate that sits significantly below the national average. With an overall crime rate of 63.7 per 1,000 people, the district is considerably more secure than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the UK's average safety benchmark of 78/100. Recent data indicates a stable environment, with a year-over-year decrease in reported crimes of 4.6%. While South Derbyshire is a growing region with increasing urbanisation, it continues to offer a safe environment for residents and businesses alike. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, seasonal trends, and practical advice for maintaining security in this Derbyshire district.

About South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire is a diverse local authority district that blends rural landscapes with rapidly growing urban centres like Swadlincote. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography, which includes a mix of established market towns and significant industrial developments. Major employers, such as the Toyota manufacturing plant at Burnaston, contribute to a large daily workforce, while the district's proximity to the A38 and A50 transport corridors facilitates high connectivity. These transport links, while beneficial for the economy, can sometimes be exploited for cross-border criminal activity. The population is largely residential and family-oriented, with many new housing developments attracting a growing demographic. However, the contrast between quiet rural villages and more densely populated urban hubs creates varied crime profiles across the district. Economic factors remain relatively stable, but the transient nature of traffic along major arterial roads and the presence of regional shopping destinations can influence figures for vehicle-related offences and opportunistic theft. Understanding these characteristics helps contextualise the district's overall safety profile.

South Derbyshire Crime Breakdown

The crime landscape in South Derbyshire is dominated by three primary categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported incidents, accounting for 44.2% of the total with a rate of 28.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 13.3%, while public order offences make up 7.6%. While these figures highlight social and personal safety challenges, property-related crime also requires attention from residents and homeowners.

Property crime, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, various forms of theft, and criminal damage, occurs at a combined rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most prevalent at 3.7 per 1,000, followed by criminal damage and arson at 4.4 per 1,000. Burglary rates remain relatively low at 1.9 per 1,000, representing only 3.0% of total crimes. For homeowners, this suggests that while the district is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, there is a persistent need for vigilance regarding vehicle security and general property protection. The prevalence of theft-related offences indicates that opportunistic crimes are more common than forced entries, reinforcing the importance of visible and proactive security measures to deter potential offenders who may be scouting residential neighbourhoods.

South Derbyshire Crime Trends

Analysis of the latest 12-month data shows that crime in South Derbyshire is currently in a stable phase, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 4.6%. This trend suggests that despite the area's growth, crime levels are being effectively managed. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a relatively consistent crime rate, typically hovering between 4.6 and 4.8 per 1,000 residents during the autumn and winter months.

However, a noticeable seasonal pattern emerges in the spring and early summer. The crime rate peaked in April 2025 at 6.4 per 1,000, with sustained higher levels through June (5.9) and July (6.2). This increase during the warmer months is a common trend in many UK districts, often associated with longer daylight hours and increased public activity. By September and October 2025, the rate returned to its lower baseline of 4.7 and 4.6 respectively. For residents, this indicates that while the overall trend is slightly downward, extra vigilance may be required during the spring and summer periods when opportunistic offences tend to rise.

When comparing South Derbyshire to its neighbours, the district sits within a relatively low-crime corridor. Similar areas such as Derby, North West Leicestershire, Erewash, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, and Amber Valley all report crime figures that are significantly lower than the national average. While some of these neighbouring areas show exceptionally low reported statistics in the current period, South Derbyshire's rate of 63.7 per 1,000 residents remains a strong indicator of regional safety. For those considering the region, South Derbyshire offers a balanced profile of safety and accessibility, performing better than many other similar-sized local authorities across the UK. The consistency in safety scores across these bordering districts suggests a wider regional trend of security and effective local policing.

With a property crime rate of 18.0 per 1,000 residents in South Derbyshire, homeowners should look beyond traditional reactive security measures. Traditional CCTV systems often serve merely as a recording tool, providing footage of a crime only after it has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and other thefts are the primary property concerns, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system transforms home security by using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. By watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your family's routines, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine threat. For South Derbyshire residents, this means the system can autonomously activate lights or speakers to deter intruders the moment they step onto your driveway. This "preventative" approach is far more effective than DIY systems that simply send a notification to your phone while a crime is already in progress. In a district where most burglars decide to target a property within 60 seconds, the visible presence of professional-grade, AI-driven security like scOS often ensures they move on to an easier target.

How To Keep Safe in South Derbyshire

The most prevalent crime type in South Derbyshire is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 44% of all reported incidents. While many of these reports may involve individuals known to one another, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings in public spaces. When walking at night, stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas, particularly near transport hubs or large car parks.

For general safety across the local authority area, consider the following tips:

• Always let someone know your expected arrival time when travelling between towns like Swadlincote and Melbourne.
• Be vigilant when using public transport or taxis late at night; use only registered services and wait in populated areas.
• Given the prevalence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious gatherings or nuisance behaviour to local authorities promptly to help map and prevent escalating issues.
• Ensure personal belongings are kept secure and out of sight when in busy commercial areas or local parks to deter opportunistic theft.
• Invest in home security that offers boundary detection to mitigate the risk of property-related offences.