East Devon Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

East Devon’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 47.2% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This overall rate, while showing a 50.6% increase from November, remains well within the range of a generally low-crime local authority. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (45.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These figures align with East Devon’s character as a mix of coastal and rural communities, where seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, extended party hours, and dark winter evenings may contribute to spikes in certain crime types. The area’s violent crime rate (1.7 per 1,000) is 35% below the UK average, a disparity that could reflect strong community policing efforts or the absence of high-density urban environments. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences — a 101.5% increase from November — may be consistent with the month’s social dynamics, including post-Christmas gatherings and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour also rose, though not as dramatically, linked to festive celebrations and the closure of public spaces during holidays. The relatively low levels of property crime, particularly vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000), suggest that East Devon’s rural and coastal geography may limit opportunities for such offences. This pattern is reinforced by the area’s 66% below UK average rate for other theft, which could be attributed to lower population density and fewer high-traffic commercial zones.

December 2023 saw a dramatic 101.5% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 136 to 274 incidents. This surge, while significant, still places East Devon 35% below the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000). A stark 250% rise in possession of weapons — from 2 to 7 cases — highlights a concerning shift in reported crime types. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 33.3%, dropping from 3 to 2 incidents, a trend that may reflect heightened awareness or seasonal factors. The area’s property crime rate (161) remains far below the UK average, with vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) 78% lower than the national figure. These shifts suggest a combination of local dynamics and broader patterns, with violent crime emerging as a focal point for further analysis.

East Devon’s crime rate rose by 50.6% from November 2023 (2.5 per 1,000) to December 2023 (3.8 per 1,000), marking the most significant monthly increase in the past year. Despite this, the area remains 47.2% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, East Devon recorded roughly 19 crimes per day in December, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 265 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which is not provided in the data. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the absolute number of crimes has increased, the per capita rate remains well below national levels. This contrast underscores the area’s generally lower crime profile, even as local trends show fluctuations tied to seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and holiday-related activity.