Swadlincote Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Swadlincote

Swadlincote, a prominent urban settlement in South Derbyshire, maintains a solid safety profile with an overall crime rate of 88.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK national average of 91.6, positioning the town as a safer alternative to many other urban centres. The town's Safety Score stands at 78/100, which is just one point below the UK average of 79, indicating a generally secure environment. Furthermore, the crime trend in Swadlincote is currently stable, having seen a 3.3% decrease year-over-year. For its 35,817 residents, these statistics reflect a community where crime is managed effectively and the overall trend is moving in a positive direction, providing a reassuring context for both living and working in the area.

Crime Breakdown in Swadlincote

Swadlincote's crime landscape is largely defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.7% of all reported incidents, or 39.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (11.2 per 1,000), followed by shoplifting (7.7 per 1,000). While these figures focus on public and personal safety, property-related crime is a significant factor for those living in the town.

The overall property crime rate in Swadlincote is 25.4 per 1,000 people. This includes a variety of offences such as criminal damage and arson (5.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.5 per 1,000), and burglary (2.5 per 1,000). Other theft also contributes 5.1 per 1,000 to the total. For residents, this means that roughly one in four crimes involves an attempt to damage or steal property. While the burglary rate is lower than the UK average, the combined impact of vehicle crime and general theft suggests that homeowners should remain proactive about their property security to deter opportunistic criminals.

Crime Trends in Swadlincote

The crime trend in Swadlincote is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.3%. This indicates a consistent safety environment where crime levels are gradually improving. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows some seasonal variation, with crime rates fluctuating throughout the year.

The highest crime rate was recorded in April 2025, reaching 9.1 per 1,000 residents. Other notable peaks occurred in March (8.4) and July (8.3). Conversely, the safest months were September and November, both recording a low of 6.0 per 1,000. The year ended with a rate of 7.3 in December, showing a slight increase from the autumn lows but still remaining within the town's stable range. These fluctuations suggest that while the overall trend is positive, residents should remain aware that crime activity can vary month-to-month, often peaking in the spring and early summer. This stability provides a predictable environment for local law enforcement and community safety initiatives.

How To Keep Safe in Swadlincote

The most prevalent crime type in Swadlincote is violence and sexual offences. While the town is generally safe, taking practical steps to ensure personal safety is always recommended.

To stay safe in Swadlincote, consider these actionable tips:

1. Stay Alert in the Town Centre: When visiting busy commercial or nightlife areas, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like looking at your phone for long periods.
2. Use Well-Lit Paths: Stick to main roads and well-lit footpaths when walking at night. Avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or unlit alleyways.
3. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a factor in the town's property crime rate. Always lock your car, use a steering lock if possible, and never leave valuables on display.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local authorities helps them identify hotspots and deploy resources where they are most needed.
5. Home Security Awareness: Ensure your home looks occupied when you are out, using timer lights or smart home devices to create a lived-in appearance.

Crime Timing in Swadlincote

The timing of crime in Swadlincote shows a strong correlation with the town's daily activity cycles. Theft-related offences, including shoplifting, are heavily concentrated during the day, with 47% occurring in the morning and a peak of 51% in the afternoon. This aligns with the opening hours of the town's retail centres and the period when most residents are away from their homes.

As the day transitions into night, the nature of crime shifts significantly. Vehicle crime reaches its peak during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), accounting for 41% of period-specific incidents. Burglary also sees its highest percentage during the night (19%), although it remains a threat in the afternoon (18%) as well. These patterns suggest that while personal vigilance is important during the busy daytime hours, property and vehicle security should be the primary focus for residents once darkness falls. Taking extra precautions overnight, such as using secure parking and boundary alarms, can significantly mitigate these risks.

Nearby Area Comparison

Comparing Swadlincote to its immediate neighbours provides valuable regional context. Its crime rate of 88.5 per 1,000 is higher than the more residential Woodville (54.4) and the smaller settlement of Blackfordby (39.3). However, it remains statistically safer than the UK average. While Linton (82.2) has a similar overall crime rate, Swadlincote's role as a major commercial hub for South Derbyshire naturally draws higher footfall, which can influence certain crime types like shoplifting. The 0.0 rate reported for Hartshorne likely reflects its significantly smaller, rural population. For those looking for a town with full amenities and a stable safety profile, Swadlincote compares well with other major settlements in the district.

Protecting Your Swadlincote Home

With a property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 residents, Swadlincote homeowners face a moderate but persistent risk of burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras, are often reactive—they record the event but do little to stop it. In an urban environment like Swadlincote, the best defence is a proactive one.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries 24/7, identifying potential threats before they reach your home. It can distinguish between a neighbour, a delivery, and a genuine intruder. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audible warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise and often causes criminals to move on before any damage is done. For residents in Swadlincote, investing in proactive AI protection provides a level of security that traditional systems simply cannot match.