Axminster Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Axminster's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 58.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the relatively low levels of crime in this built-up area of East Devon, which is characterised by a mix of rural and semi-urban features. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and shoplifting (10.3%). These trends align with the seasonal context of September, a time when the area experiences the return of students to educational institutions and the start of the academic year. The local retail environment, which includes a range of small businesses and high-street shops, may contribute to the incidence of shoplifting, although the absolute number of such cases remains low. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Axminster (1.5 per 1,000) is 45% below the UK average, a statistic that highlights the area's comparatively safer profile in this category. Similarly, anti-social behaviour occurs at a rate 55% below the national average, suggesting that community-focused policing and local initiatives may be playing a role in maintaining order. However, the seasonal transition from summer to autumn may also influence patterns of crime, as evenings grow shorter and the focus of community activity shifts toward indoor spaces. The overall crime rate, while showing a 52.8% increase from August, remains well below the UK benchmark, reflecting the area's unique demographic and geographic characteristics. These factors, combined with the relatively low population density of 8,786 residents, contribute to a crime profile that is distinct from larger urban centres.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in September 2023 was a 200% increase in shoplifting, with the category rising from one to three reported incidents. This surge, while modest in absolute terms, signals a significant shift in local crime patterns. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences saw an 116.7% increase, rising from six to 13 cases—a jump that outpaces other categories and may reflect seasonal factors such as the return of students to local educational institutions. Anti-social behaviour, by contrast, declined by 28.6%, falling from seven to five incidents, a decrease that aligns with the broader trend of lower crime rates in Axminster compared to the UK average. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Axminster (1.5 per 1,000) is 45% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting that despite the month-on-month increase, the area remains significantly safer in this category. The rise in shoplifting, however, may be linked to the local retail environment, particularly as September marks the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in the area.

Axminster's crime rate in September 2023 rose by 52.8% compared to the previous month, climbing from 2.2 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 58.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one crime reported per day over the 30-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 303 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in this built-up area of East Devon. This statistic, when considered alongside the local population of 8,786, provides a clearer picture of how crime impacts daily life compared to broader national trends. The shift from August to September may reflect seasonal factors, such as the return of students to educational institutions, which could influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. However, the absence of a direct UK daily or monthly exposure comparison means this analysis remains focused on Axminster's unique context.