South Derbyshire Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire is a notably safe local authority district, characterised by a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. With an overall crime rate of 63.2 per 1,000 residents, it compares very favourably to the UK average of 91.6. This is further supported by a Safety Score of 84/100, which sits well above the UK average of 79. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, showing a 4.0% decrease year-over-year, suggesting that the district is maintaining its secure environment. For the 117,493 people who call South Derbyshire home, these statistics represent a region where crime is less frequent and safety is a prominent feature of daily life.

About South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire is a diverse local authority district that blends growing urban centres with extensive rural landscapes. Historically known for its coal mining and pottery industries, the area has transitioned into a major hub for manufacturing and logistics, with major employers like Toyota Manufacturing UK based here. The district's strategic location, bordered by the cities of Derby, Leicester, and Lichfield, makes it a popular residential choice for commuters, contributing to a steadily growing population of over 117,000.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its mix of quiet villages and busier market towns like Swadlincote. The presence of major transport arteries, including the A38 and A50, facilitates high mobility but can also contribute to transient-related crime. Despite its industrial strengths, South Derbyshire remains largely suburban and rural in character, which generally supports a lower crime rate compared to neighbouring metropolitan areas. The demographic is largely settled families and professionals, though the rapid development of new housing estates brings a changing social dynamic that local services continue to adapt to.

Crime Breakdown in South Derbyshire

Crime in South Derbyshire is predominantly characterised by violence and sexual offences, which make up 44.2% of all reported incidents. This equates to a rate of 28.0 per 1,000 residents. The next most frequent categories are anti-social behaviour (14.0%) and public order offences (7.7%). While these figures highlight challenges in public spaces, property-related crime is a significant concern for the district's homeowners.

The combined property crime rate in South Derbyshire is 17.5 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (4.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.6 per 1,000), and burglary (2.0 per 1,000). Although the burglary rate is relatively low compared to the UK average, the cumulative impact of theft and vehicle-related offences means that property security should remain a priority for residents. Other theft and shoplifting also contribute notably to the local statistics, reflecting the area's retail and commercial activity. For residents, this data suggests that while South Derbyshire is generally safe, opportunistic property crime is the most likely threat to households.

Crime Trends in South Derbyshire

The crime trend in South Derbyshire is currently stable, having seen a 4.0% decrease in total incidents over the last year. This downward trajectory is a positive indicator for the district's long-term safety. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals that crime rates are relatively consistent, with no major volatile spikes.

The highest crime rate was recorded in April 2025 at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, followed by July at 6.2. These spring and summer peaks are typical of national trends where increased outdoor activity often correlates with a slight rise in reported incidents. Conversely, the safest period was the late autumn, with November seeing the year's lowest rate of 4.2 per 1,000. The district ended the year on a stable note with a rate of 4.8 in December. Overall, the data suggests that South Derbyshire remains a consistently safe environment, with crime levels remaining well below the national average throughout the entire year.

Nearby Area Comparison

South Derbyshire's safety profile is impressive when compared to the wider region. In comparison to nearby areas such as Derby, North West Leicestershire, Erewash, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, and Amber Valley—all of which reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset—South Derbyshire's rate of 63.2 provides a realistic and transparent view of local safety. While the 0.0 figures for adjacent areas likely reflect reporting differences or specific data boundaries, South Derbyshire's safety score of 84/100 remains a benchmark for the region. It offers a clear advantage for those seeking a balance between urban accessibility and a high standard of personal and property security.

Protecting Your South Derbyshire Home

With a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents, South Derbyshire is a low-risk area, but it is not immune to burglary and vehicle theft. Most traditional security systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, which often leaves homeowners with footage of a loss they could not prevent. For residents in this district, shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to maintain their high safety standards.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to stop crime before it reaches your door. Unlike standard cameras that simply notify you after a sensor is tripped, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries. It learns to recognise your family and routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for genuine threats. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lighting and speakers, destroying the element of surprise. In a safe area like South Derbyshire, the best security is the kind that makes a potential intruder move on to an easier target before they even attempt a break-in.

How To Keep Safe in South Derbyshire

The most common crime type in South Derbyshire is violence and sexual offences. While the district is overall very safe, maintaining personal awareness is key to staying secure.

To ensure your safety across South Derbyshire, consider the following advice:

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: Especially in busier market towns or when using transport hubs, remain observant of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like mobile phones when walking alone at night.
2. Community Vigilance: South Derbyshire benefits from a strong community feel. Joining or supporting local Neighbourhood Watch schemes can significantly deter anti-social behaviour and property crime.
3. Plan Your Travel: When travelling between urban centres, stick to well-lit main roads and use reputable taxi services if out late.
4. Secure Your Property: Even in low-crime areas, opportunistic theft can occur. Ensure gates are locked and high-value items are not visible through windows.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: Promptly reporting unusual behaviour to the police helps maintain the district's low crime rate by allowing for early intervention.