Melbourne (South Derbyshire) Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 saw Melbourne (South Derbyshire) maintain a low crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 57.7% below the UK average of 7.1. This built-up area, characterised by its small-scale retail presence and limited nightlife, continues to exhibit a crime profile skewed toward lower-frequency incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.8% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 37.5%, reflecting patterns consistent with areas where community policing and local engagement reduce more severe criminal activity. The winter season, with its reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, likely contributes to the lower overall rate, though the sharp rise in violent crime this month complicates seasonal expectations. Property crimes, at 3 incidents, remained sparse, aligning with the area’s limited commercial density. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.5 per 1,000) suggests Melbourne’s rate, while higher, still falls within a range where local factors—such as targeted interventions or community cohesion—may temper broader trends. This data underscores the importance of contextualising crime statistics within both national benchmarks and local dynamics, particularly in regions where demographic stability and limited economic activity create a unique crime environment.

The most striking shift in February 2024 was the 250% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This category, which accounts for 43.8% of all crimes, is 48% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, suggesting local factors may have mitigated what could have been a more severe spike. Simultaneously, anti-social behaviour surged by 200%, jumping from 2 to 6 incidents, a figure that is 5% above the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. This dual increase in violent and disruptive crimes contrasts with the area’s overall low crime rate, pointing to potential localized pressures such as seasonal transitions or specific events. Vehicle crime, at 1 incident, fell 55% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s sparse road network and limited vehicle density. The property crime category, though small at 3 incidents, saw burglary rates 33% above the UK average, highlighting vulnerabilities in residential security that may warrant targeted measures. These figures reveal a combination of national trends and local conditions, where Melbourne’s low population density and limited commercial activity create a crime profile distinct from larger urban centres.

February’s crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 represents a 45.1% increase from January’s 2.1 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend in the short term. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 1 crime per 29 days, a figure that, while low, underscores the month’s volatility. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 334 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average but highlights the concentration of incidents within specific categories. With a population of 5,345, the area’s small size means that even a few incidents can create a visible impact on community perception. The shift from January’s rate suggests that factors such as seasonal transitions—potentially linked to post-Christmas lulls or increased social gatherings—may have influenced the spike in violent and anti-social crimes. While the daily crime count remains manageable, the sharp rise in specific categories raises questions about localized triggers, such as changes in policing priorities, community events, or transient populations. This comparison illustrates how even minor fluctuations in crime rates can have outsized effects in smaller communities, where each incident is more immediately felt.