Sidmouth Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw Sidmouth’s crime rate remain significantly lower than the UK average, with 3.5 crimes per 1,000 residents — 53.9% below the national figure of 7.6 per 1,000. This coastal town, known for its tourist attractions and historic sites, experienced a mix of crime types that reflect seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences (18 incidents) constituted the largest single category, making up 36% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (12 incidents, 24% of total). These figures align with patterns seen in other seaside towns during late autumn, where increased foot traffic around Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping may contribute to higher levels of interpersonal conflict and disorder. The relatively low overall crime rate contrasts with the UK average, suggesting that Sidmouth’s compact, well-lit built-up area and community policing efforts may play a role in maintaining safety. Property crimes accounted for 28% of the total (14 incidents), with burglary and vehicle crime remaining particularly low — 0.1 per 1,000 each, 68% and 77% below UK averages respectively. This could reflect the town’s lower population density and the presence of secure housing stock. However, the seasonal context of November — with shorter daylight hours and colder weather — may have influenced patterns, such as the 36% share of violence and sexual offences, which is consistent with increased indoor socialising and potential tensions during the holiday season. The data underscores Sidmouth’s position as a relatively safe area, though local authorities may need to monitor the rise in specific categories like 'other crime' and 'public order' for further insight.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in 'other crime', which surged by 100% from zero to two incidents in November. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect underreported or newly categorised activities. Similarly, vehicle crime and public order offences both doubled compared to October, raising questions about potential new trends or unaddressed vulnerabilities. These increases contrast sharply with steep declines in burglary (66.7% drop from six to two incidents) and shoplifting (66.7% drop from three to one incident), which may be linked to seasonal factors — fewer tourists and reduced retail activity during November compared to peak summer months. Violence and sexual offences (18 incidents) remained the most common category, but their rate of 1.2 per 1,000 is 53% below the UK average, highlighting Sidmouth’s consistent performance in reducing interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour (12 incidents) also saw a notable decrease from the previous month.8 per 1,000 is still 28% below the UK average. The stark contrast between rising 'other crime' and falling burglary suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity, influenced by local initiatives or changes in policing focus. Residents may find the 100% increase in 'public order' offences — which includes disturbances in public places — particularly relevant, as it could indicate issues related to alcohol consumption or community events during the month.

Sidmouth’s November 2024 crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 24.2% decline from the previous month’s rate of 4.6 per 1,000. This downward trend suggests a sustained period of reduced criminal activity. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately two crimes per day over the 30-day period — a figure that, while low, may appear higher to residents when compared to the monthly exposure rate. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 290 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in relation to the town’s population of 14,512. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which would require specific data to quantify but aligns with Sidmouth’s historical safety profile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a significantly lower risk of victimisation compared to the national average, with the most extreme disparities seen in burglary (68% below UK average) and vehicle crime (77% below). However, the 100% increase in 'other crime' and 'public order' offences raises questions about whether these categories are being underreported or if new challenges are emerging. For a town of Sidmouth’s size, the combination of low overall crime and targeted spikes in specific categories may reflect the combination of local demographics, policing strategies, and seasonal factors such as the timing of Bonfire Night and post-Christmas shopping.