Honiton Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Honiton's built-up area recorded 45 crimes in August 2023, translating to a crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents—53.1% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. For a population of 11,711, this equates to roughly one crime every 260 residents over the course of the month. The most common offences were violence and sexual offences (22.2% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.8%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These patterns align with the area's character as a largely rural commuter town with limited urban density, where property crimes and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent than in major cities. August, as a peak holiday month, likely contributed to increased burglary risks due to empty homes and seasonal tourism patterns. However, the overall crime rate remains exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks, consistent with the area's generally tranquil environment. Violent crime rates were 66% below the UK average, suggesting a strong community safety framework, though the 131% increase in 'other crime' highlights an anomaly requiring further investigation. The crime mix reflects a balance between property and violent offences, with no single category dominating the landscape.

August 2023 saw a 100% increase in drug-related offences, rising from zero to three incidents—a significant spike that may reflect seasonal factors or localised pressures. Burglary also doubled from two to four cases, potentially linked to the peak holiday season and increased property vacancies. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 38.5%, from 13 to eight incidents, due to targeted community interventions or seasonal shifts in public activity. The crime mix showed a notable balance between property and violent offences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 22.2% of total crimes. While violent crime rates remained 66% below the UK average, 'other crime' was 131% above the national benchmark, highlighting an unusual concentration in this category. These fluctuations underscore the need for nuanced analysis of local crime dynamics.

Honiton's crime rate in August 2023 rose 25.1% from July's 3.1 per 1,000 to 3.8 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. This equates to roughly one reported crime per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up area. When scaled to the population of 11,711, the monthly exposure translates to one crime for every 260 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the increase suggests a need for continued monitoring of local patterns. The daily crime count, though modest, serves as a tangible metric for residents to gauge the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives, particularly during peak holiday periods when tourism and empty homes may influence burglary rates.