Ottery St Mary Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ottery St Mary's crime profile in October 2023 revealed a combination of rising and falling trends, with significant increases in specific categories. The overall crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents. below the UK average of 8.0, masked sharp spikes in certain offences. Criminal damage and arson, the most common category (37.5% of total crimes), surged to six cases—a 500% increase from September. This rise, consistent with October's seasonal context of darker evenings and Halloween, may have contributed to increased opportunities for such acts. Violence and sexual offences also doubled, reaching six cases, a 200% increase that suggests heightened tensions or disruptions in community dynamics. The area's low overall rate remains a testament to its generally safe environment, but these spikes demand attention. Theft from the person, though minimal (one case), was 33% above the UK average, highlighting vulnerabilities in public spaces. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 75%, a drop that may reflect successful local initiatives or seasonal changes in community activity. The UK comparison shows that while Ottery St Mary's violent crime rate (1.0 per 1,000) is 63% below the national average, its property crime rate (1.0 per 1,000) is slightly above the UK average for similar categories. These patterns suggest that the area's rural character and small population size likely play a role in its crime dynamics, with localized factors such as community cohesion and seasonal events influencing specific trends.

October 2023 saw alarming spikes in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson cases rising by 500% compared to September. This jump—from one incident to six—suggests a significant shift in local activity, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween and reduced daylight hours. Similarly, violence and sexual offences doubled from two to six cases, indicating a troubling increase in personal safety concerns. While anti-social behaviour fell by 75%, the rise in property-related crimes—particularly theft from the person—underscores the need for heightened awareness in public spaces. Criminal damage and arson in Ottery St Mary are 59% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the area's overall safety profile. Residents should be especially cautious during evening hours, given the sharp increase in violent incidents and the seasonal context of October. These trends, though concerning, remain isolated compared to broader UK patterns, where Ottery St Mary's crime rate is still 67.5% below the national average.

Ottery St Mary's crime rate in October 2023 rose to 2.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 59.4% increase from the previous month's 1.7 per 1,000. This upward trend, though still significantly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, highlights a shift in local patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in October, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 380 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while manageable, reflects the impact of specific incidents. With a population of 6,077, the area's relatively small size means that even a single incident can have a noticeable effect on the community. The increase in violent crimes and property damage suggests that seasonal factors—such as darker evenings and Halloween—may have influenced local activity. However, the overall crime rate remains 67.5% below the UK average, indicating that the area still maintains a safer profile compared to national trends.