Ottery St Mary Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Ottery St Mary during April 2023 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by local characteristics and seasonal factors. With a crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents—58.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000—the area remains significantly safer than the national average. Anti-social behaviour dominates the crime profile, accounting for 36.8% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (15.8%) and shoplifting (15.8%). This emphasis on anti-social behaviour and property-related offences suggests a community where informal social controls may play a role in mitigating more severe crimes. The relatively low rates of violence and sexual offences (10.5% of total crimes) align with Ottery St Mary’s likely rural character, where population density and community cohesion may reduce opportunities for such crimes. Seasonal factors in April—Easter holidays and milder weather—likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which could explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour and property crimes. While the overall crime rate remains low, the balance of crime types highlights the importance of addressing anti-social conduct to maintain community safety. This mix also reflects the area’s limited commercial and nightlife activity compared to urban centres, which would typically see higher rates of violent crime or theft from the person.

April 2023 saw a dramatic 250% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This surge, combined with a 200% rise in criminal damage and arson, underscores a potential shift in local dynamics, possibly linked to seasonal gatherings or increased outdoor activity during Easter. Vehicle crime also doubled, suggesting heightened vulnerability in parking areas or unsecured vehicles. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 77.8%, from 9 to 2, marking a stark contrast to the previous month and aligning with Ottery St Mary’s low violence profile. Anti-social behaviour in the area is 2% above the UK average, despite the overall rate being far below the national benchmark. This anomaly highlights the need for targeted interventions to address specific local issues. For residents, the 36.8% share of anti-social behaviour in total crimes serves as a clear indicator of where community-focused policing or social initiatives might yield the most impact.

April 2023’s crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 19% increase from the previous month’s rate of 2.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 1 crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that, while low, suggests a consistent level of activity in a small community. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 320 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 6,077. This monthly exposure rate, though modest, indicates that the majority of residents are unlikely to encounter crime directly. Compared to the UK average, Ottery St Mary’s overall rate remains well below the national benchmark, but the proportion of anti-social behaviour exceeds the UK average by 2%, highlighting a unique local challenge. The relatively low rates of violent crime—88% below the UK average—further reinforce the area’s distinct safety profile. For residents, these figures suggest that while the community is generally secure, specific categories like anti-social behaviour require attention to prevent escalation.