Axminster Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of Axminster’s population size (8,786 residents), 40 crimes in April 2024 equate to one reported crime per day or one in every 220 residents over the month. This rate of 4.6 crimes per 1,000 residents is 40.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a safer environment compared to the national picture. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.5% of all reported incidents (13 cases), followed by shoplifting (25%, 10 cases) and criminal damage and arson (10%, 4 cases). Seasonal factors in April—Easter holidays, warmer weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely contribute to patterns in violent and property crimes. The area’s character as a semi-rural built-up area within East Devon, with limited urban density and a focus on community-oriented spaces, may help explain the lower overall crime rate compared to major cities. However, shoplifting’s sharp rise above the UK average (64% higher than the national rate of 0.7 per 1,000) suggests localized pressures in retail environments, potentially linked to the Easter shopping period. This contrast between overall safety and specific category trends illustrates the complexity of crime dynamics in Axminster.

April 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with drugs-related offences doubling from zero to one incident—a 100% increase—while public order offences also rose sharply from one to two cases. Other theft surged from zero to three, marking another 100% rise. These increases may reflect seasonal fluctuations, such as Easter-related gatherings or changes in local activity patterns. Conversely, violent and sexual offences fell by 23.5% compared to March (from 17 to 13 cases), possibly due to the Easter holiday reducing opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting, at 10 cases, remains significantly above the UK average (64% higher), highlighting a persistent issue in Axminster’s retail sector. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage both fell below UK averages by 59% and 15% respectively, suggesting effective local measures or lower demand for such crimes in this area. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting may prompt closer attention to retail security measures during peak shopping periods.

Axminster’s crime rate in April 2024 (4.6 per 1,000) rose 11.0% from March’s 4.1 per 1,000, reflecting a small but measurable increase over the previous month. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly one crime per day for the 8,786 residents of Axminster, a figure that places the area well within the lower end of the UK’s spectrum. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 220 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is considerably lower than the UK average, which typically sees higher frequencies in urban areas. Axminster’s population size, combined with its semi-rural setting, likely contributes to this disparity, as smaller communities often experience lower crime rates due to stronger social cohesion and fewer opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the 11.0% month-on-month rise suggests that local factors—such as seasonal events or temporary changes in activity—may have temporarily influenced crime trends. This comparison underscores the importance of contextualising crime statistics within both local demographics and broader national benchmarks, ensuring that residents and policymakers interpret data accurately without overgeneralising.