Staffordshire Moorlands Crime Rate

Staffordshire Moorlands is one of the safer regions in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 66.4 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a high safety score of 83/100. Despite this positive standing, the area has experienced an 8.8% increase in reported crime over the past year, indicating a shift that residents should monitor. The district, known for its rural beauty and market towns, generally provides a secure environment, but the recent upward trend highlights the importance of staying informed about local safety. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly patterns, and comparisons to help you understand the safety landscape of Staffordshire Moorlands.

Staffordshire Moorlands is a largely rural local authority area characterised by its stunning natural landscapes, including parts of the Peak District National Park. The district is composed of several market towns, such as Leek, Cheadle, and Biddulph, alongside numerous smaller villages and hamlets. The economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture and manufacturing, though tourism plays an increasingly significant role, with major attractions like Alton Towers drawing a high volume of transient visitors throughout the year.

The population density is relatively low compared to urban centres, which generally contributes to a lower crime rate. However, the presence of major transport links and the influx of tourists can influence crime statistics, particularly regarding opportunistic property crime and anti-social behaviour in more populated areas. The demographic is largely stable and residential, with a strong sense of community. Economic factors, including local employment levels in the manufacturing and service sectors, also play a role in the area's overall safety profile. Understanding these rural and semi-rural characteristics helps explain why the Staffordshire Moorlands maintains a high safety score despite recent trend fluctuations.

In Staffordshire Moorlands, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 45.7% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, accounting for 15.1% of crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.3%. These figures suggest that personal safety and community order are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Property crime in the district, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 17.7 per 1,000 people. This total includes 205 recorded burglaries and 198 vehicle crimes over the past year. While the property crime rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, it still represents a tangible risk for homeowners and vehicle owners. Shoplifting and other theft also contribute notably to the local statistics, often concentrated in the district's market towns. For residents, this means that while the overall environment is safe, proactive measures to secure homes and personal property remain essential to deter opportunistic offenders who may target the area's residential neighbourhoods.

Crime in Staffordshire Moorlands has shown an increasing trend, with an 8.8% rise in reported incidents year-over-year. A detailed look at the monthly trend data reveals that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 5.5 in November 2024 and ending at 5.7 in October 2025.

The lowest point of activity was recorded in February 2025, with a rate of 4.4 per 1,000. However, this was followed by a steady increase, peaking in July 2025 at 6.5 per 1,000. The summer months (June to August) consistently showed higher crime rates, likely influenced by increased tourism and outdoor activity in the district. While the rate dipped slightly towards the end of the year, it remained higher than the early spring lows. This upward trend, although the area remains statistically safe, suggests that residents should be more vigilant and consider enhancing their personal and property security measures to adapt to the changing local crime environment.

In the regional context of the West Midlands and North West borders, Staffordshire Moorlands' crime rate of 66.4 per 1,000 people is compared against neighbouring areas. Data for Stoke-on-Trent, Derbyshire Dales, Cheshire East, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, and East Staffordshire all show crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. While these figures likely reflect different reporting periods or administrative boundaries, they suggest that Staffordshire Moorlands is a primary focus for crime reporting in the immediate vicinity. Despite the 8.8% increase in local crime, the area remains a safe choice for residents and visitors, especially when compared to the much higher national average crime rate of 93.1.

With a property crime rate of 17.7 per 1,000 people in Staffordshire Moorlands, protecting your home requires more than just reactive measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In a rural or semi-rural setting like the Moorlands, where police response times can vary, proactive prevention is the most effective strategy.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and potential intruders in real-time. This is particularly valuable for deterring the 205 burglaries and 198 vehicle crimes recorded in the area last year. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you of an event, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to destroy the element of surprise. For Staffordshire Moorlands residents, this means transforming your home from a potential target into a secure environment that actively defends itself against opportunistic crime.

How To Keep Safe in Staffordshire Moorlands

The highest crime category in Staffordshire Moorlands is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is recommended to stay alert when walking in less populated or poorly lit areas, particularly at night. If you are visiting popular tourist destinations like Alton Towers or the Peak District, be mindful of your personal belongings and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight within your vehicle.

Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime, residents should be proactive in reporting any recurring issues to local authorities. This helps in the effective allocation of policing resources. For property safety, always ensure that outbuildings, such as sheds and garages—common in this rural area—are secured with robust locks. Additionally, consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home to deter opportunistic thieves. Engaging with local community safety groups or Neighbourhood Watch programmes can also provide valuable updates on local trends and shared security tips.