Axminster Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Axminster’s crime rate in July 2025 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.4% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This performance contrasts with the national trend, highlighting the area’s relatively lower exposure to crime. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, contributing 33.9% of the total 62 reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.7%) and criminal damage and arson (12.9%). These figures align with Axminster’s character as a built-up area within East Devon, where seasonal factors such as the peak of summer and increased tourism may influence local crime dynamics. The high rate of violence and sexual offences could reflect the impact of transient populations during festivals and events. Anti-social behaviour, often linked to late-night activity in public spaces, also saw a notable share of reported crimes, consistent with the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones. Axminster’s property crime rate was lower than the UK average, with shoplifting and burglary rates particularly subdued. This may be attributed to the area’s relatively small retail footprint and the absence of major urban hubs that typically drive such offences. The seasonal context of July—characterised by school holidays, festivals, and extended daylight hours—likely contributed to the overall crime profile, though the precise interplay between these factors and reported incidents remains an area for further analysis.

July 2025 saw significant month-on-month changes in Axminster’s crime profile. Drug-related offences surged by 200%, rising from one incident to three, marking the most dramatic increase in the area. This jump may be linked to the influx of visitors during summer festivals, though no definitive causal link can be established. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 166.7%, from three to eight incidents, a sharp rise that could reflect heightened activity in outdoor spaces or the impact of local events. Shoplifting also increased by 150%, from two to five incidents, suggesting possible challenges in retail security during the peak tourist season. In contrast, public order offences fell by 50%, from six to three, due to improved policing during events or a reduction in alcohol-related incidents. Axminster’s performance against the UK average reveals mixed trends: while violence and sexual offences were 21% below the national rate, criminal damage and arson were 48% above, and possession of weapons was 275% above the UK average. These disparities underscore the area’s unique challenges, with the latter figures reflecting a combination of local enforcement priorities and the impact of transient populations. For residents, the 48% above UK average for criminal damage and arson is a key indicator, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.

Axminster’s crime rate in July 2025 rose by 44.4% compared to the previous month’s rate of 4.9 per 1,000, indicating a marked increase in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly two crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may appear modest but reflects the cumulative effect of multiple categories. Monthly exposure to crime was calculated as one reported crime for every 142 residents, a statistic that contextualises the rate within the local population of 8,786. This figure, while lower than the UK average, highlights the significance of individual incidents in a smaller community. The rise in crime rate compared to June 2025 may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the influx of visitors during the summer and the associated increase in activity in public spaces. However, the daily crime count remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres, where the density of population and economic activity often leads to higher frequencies. For residents, the monthly exposure figure offers a tangible measure of risk, though this is an aggregate statistic and does not account for variations in individual risk factors. The comparison with the previous month underscores the importance of monitoring short-term trends, particularly in areas where crime patterns are sensitive to external events and seasonal changes.