Sidmouth Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Sidmouth during May 2023, 1.8 crimes were reported—a figure that is 77.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This per-capita perspective reveals that residents face a significantly lower risk of experiencing crime than the national average, a pattern consistent with Sidmouth's status as a relatively low-crime built-up area within East Devon. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 61.5% of all incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (19.2%) and vehicle crime (3.9%). These figures align with the area's character as a coastal town with a strong community focus, where public spaces may be more frequently used for socialising, potentially contributing to anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and bank holidays, may have influenced the pattern of crime, with increased outdoor activity linked to higher anti-social behaviour incidents. However, the overall safety of Sidmouth is underscored by the stark contrast to UK averages, particularly in violent crime categories, where the rate was 89% below the national figure. This suggests that local factors—such as community policing efforts, the town's compact size, and the presence of tourist infrastructure—may play a role in maintaining low crime rates. The relatively low incidence of property crimes, including vehicle crime and criminal damage, further supports the idea that Sidmouth's built-up area is characterised by a mix of residential and commercial spaces that are less prone to targeted theft than larger urban centres. While the small number of incidents means statistical fluctuations can be significant, the overall trend remains one of relative safety compared to the UK as a whole.

May 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing 100% increases from April: drugs, other theft, and possession of weapons. This rise, though from zero incidents in the previous month, suggests emerging trends that warrant local attention. Conversely, criminal damage and arson dropped by 75% (from 4 to 1), and violence and sexual offences fell by 54.5% (from 11 to 5), indicating a potential reduction in targeted aggression. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category at 61.5% of all crimes, a rate 17% below the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. Violent crimes, though still below UK levels, showed a marked decline, possibly linked to the seasonality of May, which features bank holidays and extended evenings that may influence outdoor social dynamics. For residents, the daily crime count of 1 per day provides a concrete measure of risk, contextualised by the area's overall safety profile.

In May 2023, Sidmouth recorded 26 total crimes, translating to 1.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. This represents a 19% decrease from April's rate of 2.2 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 1 crime per day, a figure that remains consistent with Sidmouth's historically low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 558 residents, underscoring the relatively low risk faced by individuals in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, Sidmouth's rate is 77.5% below, a disparity that highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies and community engagement in this coastal town. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that residents are far less likely to experience crime than the national average, a pattern consistent with Sidmouth's character as a relatively quiet, tourist-friendly location with a strong sense of community.