Sidmouth Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Sidmouth during October 2023 reveals a distinct pattern dominated by non-violent, community-related offences. Violence and sexual offences, though the most frequently reported category (29.7% of total crimes), remained 70% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This suggests that while violent incidents occur, their frequency is significantly lower than in other parts of the country. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 27.0% of reported crimes and also falling 45% below the UK average. These two categories, along with Criminal damage and arson (13.5% of total crimes), highlight the area’s focus on social disorder and property damage rather than high-level crime. Seasonal factors may partly explain this dynamic: darker evenings and Halloween, which often coincide with increased vandalism and anti-social activity, could have influenced the rise in such offences. However, the overall crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents—67.5% below the UK average—points to Sidmouth’s success in maintaining a low-crime environment. As a coastal resort town, Sidmouth’s profile may naturally lean toward property-related and social disorder crimes rather than violent or economic crimes, which are more common in densely populated urban areas. The balance of crime types here reflects a community where local policing and community cohesion appear to play a significant role in mitigating more severe offences.

Month-on-month changes revealed a stark contrast in crime trends. Burglary and Other crime both doubled, increasing by 100%, while Vehicle crime and Drugs offences fell by 50% and 33.3%, respectively. These shifts suggest potential seasonal influences, with Halloween and darker evenings possibly contributing to a spike in property-related crimes. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 29.7% of total crimes, remained 70% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This discrepancy may reflect Sidmouth’s lower population density and strong community networks, which could deter violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type (27.0%), was also 45% below the UK average. Residents might find the 100% increase in burglary and Other crime noteworthy, as it indicates a need for vigilance in securing homes and personal belongings during the autumn months.

Sidmouth's crime rate in October 2023 stood at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, a 5.2% decrease from the previous month’s 2.7 per 1,000. This slight decline aligns with the area’s historically low crime profile, which has consistently placed it well below the UK average. Over the course of October, 37 crimes were reported across Sidmouth’s 14,512 residents, translating to roughly one crime for every 392 residents. This monthly exposure figure provides context for residents: over the 31 days, the likelihood of encountering a reported crime was approximately 1 in 392. On a daily basis, this equates to an average of one crime per day, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively tranquil nature. When compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, Sidmouth’s rate highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community engagement in maintaining safety. The population-scaled perspective underscores that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can feel significant in a smaller, closely-knit community.