Sidmouth Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Sidmouth’s crime profile in December 2024, accounting for 42.9% of all reported crimes. This category, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000 residents, remains 41% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, underscoring the area’s relative safety. The overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents—52.1% below the UK average of 7.1—reflects a built-up area within East Devon that has consistently maintained low levels of criminal activity. Seasonal factors, including the Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings, likely contributed to the sharp rise in shoplifting (up 300%) and the sustained presence of violent crime. While property crimes accounted for 38.8% of total incidents, the dominance of violent offences highlights the need for community-focused initiatives to address underlying social tensions. Sidmouth’s low crime profile is further reinforced by its below-average rates for anti-social behaviour (68% below UK), other theft (26% below UK), and public order offences (78% below UK). These figures suggest that the area’s compact, coastal character—combined with a smaller population and likely strong community cohesion—may help buffer against the types of crime that typically surge in larger urban centres. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting during December raises questions about targeted retail vulnerabilities, possibly linked to the influx of visitors during the festive season.

December saw a striking 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This jump may partly explain the shift in crime mix, with property-related offences contributing 38.8% of total crimes compared to 42.9% for violent crimes. The UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, but Sidmouth’s rate of 0.3 per 1,000 remains 47% below that benchmark. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 58.3%, likely reflecting the seasonal lull in public activity during the Christmas period. The rate of violence and sexual offences—1.5 per 1,000—remains 41% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, highlighting Sidmouth’s continued strength in managing violent crime. For residents, the 12.2% share of other theft (6 incidents) serves as a reminder to secure valuables during the festive shopping rush.

Sidmouth’s crime rate in December 2024 remained stable compared to the previous month, falling by 2.0% to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This small decline aligns with the area’s historically low crime profile, which has consistently positioned it well below the UK average. On a daily basis, residents can expect roughly 2 crimes reported each day, a figure that reflects the built-up area’s relatively safe environment. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 296 residents, a statistic that underscores the rarity of criminal activity in this part of East Devon. When scaled to the population, this means that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is minimal, though seasonal factors such as holiday-related disruptions may temporarily influence local patterns. The area’s low crime exposure contrasts sharply with national trends, suggesting that Sidmouth’s community and geographic characteristics—such as its coastal location and smaller population—play a role in maintaining this safety record.