Axminster Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Axminster’s crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents in July 2023 places it 60.2% below the UK average of 8.3. This stark contrast highlights the area’s relative safety compared to national trends. The most frequent crime category was violence and sexual offences, contributing 31% of total reports, followed by anti-social behaviour (27.6%) and criminal damage and arson (13.8%). These patterns align with Axminster’s character as a small, rural town within East Devon, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced violent crime. Seasonal factors also play a role: July, a peak summer month with schools closed and tourism active, often correlates with higher anti-social behaviour and public disorder incidents. However, Axminster’s figures remain lower than the UK average for all crime types, including violence (64% below), anti-social behaviour (37% below), and shoplifting (17% below). The absence of major urban centres, retail hubs, or nightlife districts likely reduces opportunities for property crime, while the town’s proximity to natural landscapes may deter burglary. Despite the overall safety, the relatively high proportion of violence and sexual offences suggests targeted community engagement could further address local vulnerabilities. The data underscores Axminster’s position as a low-crime area, with seasonal fluctuations reflecting broader national patterns rather than systemic issues.

July 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Other crime and criminal damage and arson both increased by 100%, rising from zero to one and four incidents respectively, while burglary doubled from one to two cases. This spike in less common offences may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased outdoor activity during festivals or events. Anti-social behaviour, however, decreased by 11.1% compared to the previous month, aligning with a broader trend of lower property crime rates in Axminster. Axminster’s violence and sexual offences rate (1.0 per 1,000) remains 64% below the UK average, despite the category’s prominence locally. Similarly, shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) is 17% below the national figure, suggesting effective local deterrents in retail areas. The town’s lower rates for burglary (39% below UK average) and other theft (85% below) further reinforce its status as a secure environment, though the 100% increase in other crime highlights the need for targeted interventions. Residents may find the 31% share of violence and sexual offences particularly relevant, as it underscores the importance of community safety initiatives even in low-crime areas.

Axminster’s crime rate in July 2023 rose by 20.9% compared to June’s 2.7 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. This increase, while notable, translates to just one reported crime per day on average over the month—a figure that would be considered exceptionally low in most UK towns. Monthly exposure data reveals that over the course of July, one crime occurred for every 303 residents, a statistic that contextualises the rarity of incidents in this small community. With a population of 8,786, Axminster’s scale means that even a modest absolute increase in crimes can appear proportionally significant. However, the town’s performance against UK benchmarks remains consistent: for example, anti-social behaviour is 37% below the national average, and burglary is 39% below. This suggests that while Axminster’s crime rates are influenced by local factors such as seasonal tourism, the underlying safety profile is robust. The comparison to UK averages also highlights the effectiveness of local policing or community initiatives in maintaining low crime levels, even as the area navigates the challenges of peak summer activity. For residents, the data reinforces the perception of Axminster as a place where crime is not only infrequent but also rare compared to national trends.