Sidmouth Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Sidmouth’s crime profile in December 2023, accounting for 36% of all reported incidents. With a total of 50 crimes recorded at a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 51.4% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. The dominance of violent crime—18 incidents—suggests a shift in the crime profile compared to previous months, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as extended evenings, holiday celebrations, and the influx of visitors during the Christmas period. Anti-social behaviour (7 incidents) and criminal damage (4 incidents) followed closely, with both categories registering rates significantly below UK averages. The local context of a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity may contribute to this pattern, as darker evenings and increased social gatherings can heighten opportunities for certain types of crime. Property crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft accounted for 32% of incidents, though these remained well below UK averages. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, festive events, and the absence of some residents during the holiday period—likely plays a role in shaping these trends. While the overall crime rate remains low, the rise in violent offences may indicate the need for community-focused initiatives during peak seasonal periods.

December 2023 witnessed a 300% increase in other theft, rising from one to four incidents, a figure that may reflect heightened activity during the Christmas shopping period. Similarly, drug-related offences also surged by 300%, doubling from one to four cases, a trend that could be linked to seasonal gatherings or increased alcohol consumption. Vehicle crime saw a 100% increase, with two incidents reported compared to none in November, tied to holiday-related travel or vehicle thefts in car parks. Despite these spikes, Sidmouth’s overall crime rate remains 51.4% below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences (1.2 per 1,000) sitting 54% below the UK benchmark. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted, with violent offences making up 36% of the total, compared to 32% for property crimes. Residents may find the 300% rise in other theft particularly notable, given its direct relevance to personal safety during the festive season.

Sidmouth's December 2023 crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 109.1% increase from the previous month’s rate of 1.7 per 1,000. This rise, while significant, remains well below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two reported crimes per day in December, a figure that reflects the seasonal rhythm of a coastal town with fluctuating foot traffic. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 290 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure figure, when contextualised against Sidmouth’s population of 14,512, highlights the area’s continued safety profile despite the upward trend. The increase may partly explain the rise in certain categories, though the town’s compact built-up area and proximity to natural landscapes likely contribute to its overall lower crime rates compared to densely populated regions.