Ottery St Mary Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ottery St Mary’s crime rate in August 2023 was 2.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 71.6% below the UK average of 8.1. This stark contrast underscores the area’s generally low crime profile, which is consistent with its status as a built-up area within East Devon—a region characterized by a mix of rural and semi-urban environments. The most frequently reported crimes were violence and sexual offences (28.6% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.3%) and burglary (14.3%). The dominance of violence-related incidents, though still significantly below the UK average for that category (73% lower), may be influenced by the area’s seasonal dynamics. August, as a peak holiday month, often sees an influx of tourists and temporary residents, which can contribute to a range of incidents, including those involving personal safety. However, the overall low rate of violence and other crimes suggests that the community’s characteristics—such as its relatively small size and strong local networks—may act as a deterrent to more serious offences. The presence of anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average, highlights the need for continued attention to community cohesion and public space management. Meanwhile, the category of burglary, which rose sharply in August, aligns with the seasonal context of increased property vulnerability due to empty homes during holidays. This pattern is consistent with broader trends observed in similar rural and semi-urban areas, where transient populations and reduced local oversight can create opportunities for crime.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in Ottery St Mary’s crime profile. Burglary, shoplifting, and vehicle crime each rose by 100% compared to the previous month, marking a stark increase in property-related incidents. This contrasted with a 71.4% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from seven to two incidents. Violence and sexual offences also declined by 20%, from five to four, a trend that may reflect seasonal changes in community activity. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, the surge in burglary is particularly noteworthy. With the area experiencing a peak holiday season, the risk of empty homes being targeted likely contributed to this increase. Residents may find the 100% rise in burglary, from zero to two incidents, a critical data point to consider when assessing local security measures.

Ottery St Mary’s crime rate in August 2023 stood at 2.3 per 1,000 residents, a 12.5% decline from the previous month’s rate of 2.6. This reduction aligns with the local context of a built-up area within East Devon, where seasonal shifts and community dynamics may influence reporting patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 0 crimes per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a low-frequency environment. When scaled to the population of 6,077, this equates to one reported crime for roughly every 434 residents over the course of the month—a figure that underscores the area’s relatively safe profile compared to national averages. The monthly exposure metric, while illustrative of the scale of incidents, should be interpreted alongside local factors such as the presence of tourism, which can temporarily alter crime patterns. This context highlights the need to view the data through a lens that accounts for both transient and permanent characteristics of the area.