Ottery St Mary Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ottery St Mary’s crime profile in July 2023 reveals a stark contrast between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the statistics. The area recorded 16 crimes, of which 5 were violent and 1 were property-related, a ratio that diverges sharply from the UK average where property crimes typically outweigh violent ones. This imbalance may be influenced by the area’s character as a small built-up community within East Devon, where social interactions and local events could contribute to higher reports of violence and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors also play a role: July, a peak month for tourism and festivals, likely increases foot traffic and public gatherings, which may heighten opportunities for certain types of crime. The most common offence was anti-social behaviour (7 incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (5). These figures align with the area’s low population density and the absence of major retail or industrial hubs that might drive other crime types. The UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.4 per 1,000, but Ottery St Mary’s rate of 1.2 per 1,000 is 15% below, suggesting a relatively controlled environment despite the rise in incidents. The overall crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 remains 68.7% below the UK average, a consistent trend that reflects the area’s rural-adjacent setting and community-focused policing priorities. This data underscores a place where crime, while not absent, is managed within a context of low population density and seasonal fluctuations that shape local patterns.

July 2023 marked a 40% rise in anti-social behaviour, increasing from five to seven incidents, while other crime and drug-related offences each doubled from previous month figures. This shift in crime mix highlights a growing emphasis on non-violent but disruptive activities, which may partly explain the area’s relatively lower violent crime rate compared to the UK average. Violent crimes in July accounted for 31.3% of total incidents, significantly below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (71% below). Conversely, other crime saw an 114% increase in its UK comparison. Residents may find the 100% rise in drug-related offences noteworthy, as it suggests a potential shift in local patterns that could warrant community awareness. These changes, while modest in scale, indicate a dynamic crime profile where seasonal factors like tourism and festivals may influence the balance between different offence types.

July 2023 saw a 22.9% increase in Ottery St Mary’s crime rate compared to June, rising from 2.1 to 2.6 per 1,000 residents. While this upward shift is notable, the area remains 68.7% below the UK average, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile. Daily crime statistics show one reported crime per day on average, a figure that aligns with the area’s small population and low-density built-up character. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 380 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the rarity of incidents in this community. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. The population context further highlights the scale: with 6,077 residents, even a modest increase in crime translates to minimal impact on individual risk levels. These figures collectively illustrate a place where crime, while present, remains an infrequent occurrence compared to both historical trends and national benchmarks.