Rural Staffordshire Moorlands Crime Rate

Rural Staffordshire Moorlands is a highly secure area, boasting an overall crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an excellent safety score of 89/100. While the area remains one of the safest in the region, it has seen a 14.2% increase in reported crime year-over-year. This upward trend, though starting from a low baseline, suggests that residents should remain proactive about their security. The following sections provide a detailed look at the types of crime occurring, monthly trends, and specific time patterns to help you stay informed about the safety of your local rural community.

In Rural Staffordshire Moorlands, violence and sexual offences are the primary crime type, making up 46.0% of all reports with 366 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 13.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.1%. These figures are typical for rural settings where personal disputes and minor property damage are more frequently reported than organised crime.

Property crime in this area, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 12.4 per 1,000 people. This total includes 38 burglaries and 30 vehicle crimes. While the overall property crime rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, the 14.2% year-over-year increase in total crime suggests that residents should remain alert. Burglary accounts for 4.8% of local crime, and vehicle crime for 3.8%. For homeowners in these rural communities, the relatively low volume of crime shouldn't lead to complacency, as criminal damage and other thefts still represent a notable portion of the local safety landscape.

Rural Staffordshire Moorlands has experienced an increasing crime trend, with total offences rising by 14.2% year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated significantly, starting at 2.9 in November 2024 and peaking at 5.2 in June 2025.

The first half of the year saw a steady increase, with the rate rising from around 3.0 in the winter months to over 4.0 in the spring. After the June peak, the rate remained relatively high through the summer before dipping back to 3.2 in October 2025. While the overall rates remain low compared to national averages, the 14.2% increase suggests a notable shift in local crime dynamics. For residents, this means that while the area is still very safe, the rising trend warrants increased attention to personal and property security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Staffordshire Moorlands

The most common crime in Rural Staffordshire Moorlands is violence and sexual offences. In a rural context, these often occur in private settings, but residents should still stay alert in public areas. When walking in isolated spots, it is always a good idea to let someone know your route and expected return time.

Given the 13.4% of crimes related to anti-social behaviour, reporting any unusual or disruptive activity to the local police helps maintain the area's peaceful character. For property safety, the 10.1% 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. With vehicle crime peaking at night, always park in well-lit areas or secure garages if possible. Additionally, because 19% of burglaries occur in the afternoon, always lock your doors and windows even if you are just out for a short walk. Joining a local Farm Watch or Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also provide valuable community-led security.

Crime in Rural Staffordshire Moorlands follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon (6am - 6pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 46% to 49% of all incidents. This suggests that opportunistic theft is more common during daylight hours when residents may be away from home or working.

As night falls, the focus shifts toward property crime. Between 12am and 6am, the percentage of burglaries rises to 23%, and vehicle crime spikes to 28%. This indicates that offenders take advantage of the quiet and darkness of rural nights to target cars and homes. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 53% of reports during this time. For residents, this data highlights the importance of securing vehicles and properties before nightfall, while remaining vigilant against opportunistic theft during the day.

When compared to nearby urban centres, Rural Staffordshire Moorlands is exceptionally safe. Its crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 is much lower than Leek (98.1) and Cheadle (73.8). While it is higher than the 0.0 reported for small hamlets like Birchall or Rudyard, it offers a much more secure environment than the larger towns in the district. This makes the rural areas of the Moorlands a highly desirable location for those seeking a safe, low-crime lifestyle while still being within reach of local town services. For anyone considering the region, the rural Moorlands represent a gold standard for safety in Staffordshire.

In Rural Staffordshire Moorlands, the property crime rate is 12.4 per 1,000 people. While this is low, the 14.2% increase in overall crime highlights the need for effective home protection. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has happened, which is of limited use in rural areas where properties may be isolated and response times longer.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive solution. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect potential intruders before they attempt a break-in. This is particularly relevant for the 23% of burglaries and 28% of vehicle crimes that occur in this area during the night. Features like autonomous lighting and speaker responses can deter criminals instantly, destroying the element of surprise they rely on. For rural residents, scOS provides a layer of professional-grade protection that actively prevents crime, ensuring your home remains a safe haven in an increasingly unpredictable landscape.