Axminster Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Axminster's crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in July 2024 places it 33.3% below the UK average of 8.4, reflecting a consistently safer profile compared to national trends. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (18 cases, 36.7% of total), anti-social behaviour (9 cases, 18.4%), and shoplifting (7 cases, 14.3%). These patterns align with Axminster's character as a semi-rural built-up area within East Devon, where seasonal dynamics play a significant role. July, a peak summer month with schools closed and tourism at its height, likely contributes to the prominence of violent offences, as festivals and outdoor events increase foot traffic in public spaces. However, the area's overall safety remains evident, with violent crime rates 26% below the UK average and anti-social behaviour 31% below the national benchmark. The sharp rise in shoplifting (18% above UK average) may reflect the influx of tourists and the presence of retail hubs in the area, though the absolute number remains low given Axminster's population of 8,786. This interplay between seasonal activity and local geography suggests that while temporary spikes in specific crime types occur, the area's broader crime picture remains distinct from larger urban centres.

July 2024 saw a 250% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 7 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average rate of 0.7 per 1,000 residents. This surge, while notable, remains relatively low in absolute terms given Axminster's population. Other crime also rose sharply by 200%, with three incidents reported compared to one in June, though this category is 76% above the UK average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 30.8%, dropping from 13 to 9 cases, potentially linked to reduced foot traffic during school holidays. Violent crime, the most common category (18 cases), remained 26% below the UK average, while burglary (2 cases) was 35% below the national rate. These shifts highlight the area's unique dynamics, with tourism-driven spikes in shoplifting offset by declines in anti-social behaviour. Residents may find the 22.6% monthly increase in overall crime rate (from 4.6 to 5.6 per 1,000) concerning, but the absolute numbers remain modest. The contrast between shoplifting's sharp rise and burglary's consistent low levels underscores the influence of seasonal factors over long-term trends in this semi-rural community.

Axminster's crime rate in July 2024 (5.6 per 1,000) marks a 22.6% increase from the previous month's 4.6 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. This growth, while statistically significant, translates to just 2 crimes reported per day on average—a figure that contextualises the area's safety despite the rise. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK's broader urban and suburban profiles. The population-scaled perspective further highlights Axminster's distinctiveness: with 8,786 residents, the 49 reported crimes represent a manageable volume even with the 250% increase in shoplifting. This contrast is amplified when considering that categories like burglary (0.2 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.1 per 1,000) are 35% and 84% below UK averages respectively. These figures suggest that while Axminster is not immune to seasonal fluctuations, its semi-rural character and lower population density contribute to a crime profile that diverges markedly from the UK's more densely populated regions. The combination of low crime rates and manageable daily crime counts reinforces the area's reputation as a relatively safe place to live, even as temporary spikes occur during peak tourist months.