Sidmouth Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Sidmouth during October 2024 reveals a distinctive mix of violent and property-related offences that diverges from typical urban patterns. With a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents—43.2% below the UK average—the area demonstrates a relatively low overall risk, though the distribution of crime types tells a more nuanced story. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.9% of all reported crimes, slightly outnumbering property crimes such as burglary (9.1%) and anti-social behaviour (19.7%). This balance may reflect Sidmouth's status as a coastal resort town, where transient populations and seasonal tourism could contribute to higher rates of violent incidents compared to more rural or industrial areas. The seasonal context of October, marked by darker evenings and Halloween, likely amplified anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, both of which saw notable increases. However, the area's low crime rate overall suggests effective community policing or a generally stable social environment. The relatively low prevalence of shoplifting (4.6%) and vehicle crime (1.5%)—both 70% below UK averages—may be attributed to Sidmouth's smaller population and lower density of retail or commercial spaces compared to major cities. These patterns collectively illustrate a community where violent crime remains a concern but is offset by a broader safety context, shaped by local geography and seasonal rhythms.

October 2024 saw a dramatic 500% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 233.3% surge in criminal damage and arson, highlights a shift toward property-related crime despite an overall crime rate still well below the UK average. Meanwhile, vehicle crime plummeted by 66.7%, and drug-related offences fell by 50%, suggesting possible seasonal or situational changes affecting local crime patterns. The crime mix also reveals a striking contrast: while violent crimes account for 40.9% of all incidents, they remain 29% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. This balance—violent crimes slightly outnumbering property crimes—suggests a unique local dynamic, possibly influenced by Sidmouth's coastal character and seasonal factors like darker evenings and Halloween. For residents, the 500% rise in burglary underscores the importance of securing homes during the autumn months.

Sidmouth's crime rate in October 2024 rose by 20.1% compared to September's 3.8 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in local patterns. On average, 2 crimes are reported per day in the built-up area, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 220 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure places the area in a relatively low-risk bracket when compared to national averages, though the increase from the previous month suggests a dynamic local environment. The population context further illustrates this: with 14,512 residents, the crime rate remains well below the UK average, even as the rate has climbed slightly. The rise in certain categories—particularly burglary and criminal damage—contrasts with declines in others, such as vehicle crime and drug-related incidents, indicating a combination of factors influencing local crime trends. These fluctuations, while modest in absolute terms, warrant attention to underlying shifts in community activity or seasonal influences.