Alton (Staffordshire Moorlands) Crime Rate

Alton (Staffordshire Moorlands) maintains a high safety record, with an overall crime rate of 83.9 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 78/100. Furthermore, the area has seen a significant 15.9% decrease in reported crime year-over-year, a very positive trend for residents. As a primarily residential community, Alton's crime profile is generally low-volume, with certain crime types more prevalent during specific times of the day. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and time-based insights to help you understand the local safety environment.

In Alton, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 51.4% of all reports with 57 incidents. Other theft is the second most frequent at 13.5%, followed by public order offences at 8.1%. These statistics indicate that over half of the area's reported crime is related to personal safety and public order.

Property crime in Alton, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 27.2 per 1,000 people. This total includes 1 burglary and 4 vehicle crimes recorded over the past year. While the property crime rate is lower than the UK average of 32.9, the -15.9% year-over-year decrease in total crime is a positive trend for residents. Shoplifting also accounts for 5.4% of local incidents. For homeowners, the very low volume of burglary and vehicle crime is positive, and the overall decreasing trend means that the area's high safety standards are being maintained. Basic security measures remain important to protect property in this residential area.

Alton has seen a significant decreasing crime trend, with total offences falling by 15.9% year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 4.5 in November 2024 and ending at 6.8 in October 2025.

The early part of 2025 saw relatively lower crime rates, dipping to 1.5 in February. However, from March onwards, there was a notable increase, with the rate consistently staying above 4.5. A significant peak occurred in August (15.1). The year ended with a rate of 6.8 in October 2025. While the overall crime rate remains lower than the national average, the 15.9% decrease is a positive indicator for the area's safety.

How To Keep Safe in Alton (Staffordshire Moorlands)

The most common crime in Alton is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in personal or social settings. To stay safe in public, remain aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours. It is always safer to walk in well-lit areas and, if possible, stay with friends when returning home after dark.

With other theft making up 13.5% of local crime, residents should keep personal items out of sight and secure. For property protection, the 7.2% rate of criminal damage and arson suggests that perimeter security is important. Ensure that gates are locked and that fuel or flammable materials are stored securely. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display, particularly as vehicle crime peaks significantly at night. Additionally, because 4% of burglaries occur in the afternoon, make sure your home is fully secured even if you are only out for a short period during the day. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also provide an extra layer of community-based security.

Crime in Alton follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon (6am - 6pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 67% to 74% of all incidents. This suggests that opportunistic theft is more common during the day when residents may be away from home or working.

As the day transitions into night, the nature of crime shifts toward property-focused offences. Between 12am and 6am, the percentage of burglaries is 6%, and vehicle crime spikes to 39%. This indicates that offenders take advantage of the quiet and darkness of the night to target cars and residential properties. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 44% of reports during this time. For residents, this data highlights the importance of securing vehicles and homes before nightfall, while remaining vigilant against opportunistic theft during the busier daylight hours.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Alton's crime rate of 83.9 per 1,000 is higher than Rocester (64.3). It is also higher than larger nearby urban areas. Small settlements like Farley, Denstone, and Ellastone report crime rates of 0.0, which is typical for very small rural communities. For those looking at the Staffordshire Moorlands region, Alton offers a peaceful residential feel with a crime rate that, while higher than the smallest hamlets, remains below the national average. This makes it a safe and attractive area for residents.

In Alton, the property crime rate is 27.2 per 1,000 people. Despite the 15.9% decrease in overall crime, homeowners are increasingly seeking more effective ways to protect their properties. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In an area where 6% of burglaries and 39% of vehicle crimes happen during the night, proactive prevention is key.

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 potential threats in real-time. If an intruder is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter them before they can attempt a break-in. This proactive approach is far more effective than DIY systems that only notify you after the fact. For Alton residents, scOS provides professional-grade security that actively defends your home, ensuring that opportunistic criminals move on to easier targets.