Sidmouth Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Sidmouth’s September 2023 crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents places it 66.2% below the UK average of 8.0, a disparity that underscores the area’s unique position within national crime trends. This built-up area within East Devon, known for its coastal character and smaller population, continues to demonstrate a crime profile markedly different from larger urban centres. The top three crime types—violence and sexual offences (33.3% of total), anti-social behaviour (25.6%), and criminal damage and arson (12.8%)—reflect a mix of personal and property-related incidents. Violence and sexual offences, while representing the largest share of crimes, remain 67% below the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by Sidmouth’s relatively low population density and community-oriented environment. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role: as September transitions from summer tourism to the academic year, the data shows a shift in crime dynamics. The presence of anti-social behaviour, often linked to youth activity in smaller towns, contrasts with the UK average, where such incidents are more concentrated in densely populated areas. Meanwhile, the low rates of vehicle crime and burglary—each 79% and 69% below the UK average respectively—suggest that Sidmouth’s layout, with fewer high-traffic zones or commercial hubs, may limit opportunities for these types of crime. The overall picture indicates a community where crime prevention efforts, combined with the area’s geography, contribute to a significantly lower risk profile compared to the national average.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing a 100% increase from August. Drug-related offences, vehicle crime, and theft from the person all rose from zero to three, two, and one incidents respectively. This uptick may reflect the return of students to local universities. Conversely, other theft, other crime, and burglary each declined by 60%, 50%, and 50% respectively, suggesting a temporary reduction in opportunistic crimes. The breakdown of crime types also reveals striking disparities: violence and sexual offences in Sidmouth were 67% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 48% below. These figures highlight the area’s distinct profile compared to national trends. For residents, the 100% increase in vehicle crime—a category typically linked to commuter parking or tourist activity—may warrant heightened awareness in specific areas.

Sidmouth's September 2023 crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 23.4% decline from the previous month’s rate of 3.5 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the area’s consistently low crime profile compared to the UK average. Over the 30-day period, the daily crime count averaged roughly one incident per day, a figure that underscores the area’s relative safety. When scaled to the local population of 14,512, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 372 residents—a stark contrast to the UK’s broader context, where crime rates are significantly higher. This monthly aggregate suggests that residents face a much lower likelihood of experiencing crime than the national average, though it does not account for variations in local demographics or community-specific factors. The shift from August to September also coincides with seasonal patterns, as the area transitions from summer tourism to quieter autumn conditions, which may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime.