Sidmouth Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Sidmouth's crime profile in September 2025 demonstrates a marked divergence from the UK average, with a total rate of 4.1 crimes per 1,000 residents—44.6% below the national figure of 7.4. This position as one of the UK's safest areas is reinforced by the breakdown of crime types, where violence and sexual offences accounted for 40% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (13.3%) and criminal damage and arson (11.7%). The seasonal context of September, marked by the return to school and university freshers, may explain the prevalence of violent crimes, which align with patterns observed in areas with student populations. However, Sidmouth's rates for several categories are lower than the UK average: anti-social behaviour is 57% below, public order offences are 44% below, and vehicle crime is 50% below. This suggests that while the area faces challenges with violent crime, its overall crime environment is significantly more secure than the national picture. The low rates of burglary and bicycle theft, at 64% and 43% below the UK average respectively, further highlight the effectiveness of local measures in deterring property-related crimes. These figures are consistent with Sidmouth's character as a coastal town with a strong community presence, where seasonal rhythms and local initiatives may contribute to a lower incidence of certain crime types. The data also reveals a unique balance in crime mix, with a higher proportion of violent crimes compared to property crimes, a trend that may be influenced by the town's demographics and the seasonal influx of students.

September saw sharp increases in public order offences, which rose by 300% to four incidents from one in August. This surge aligns with the start of the academic term, as students and families returned to the area, potentially contributing to heightened activity in public spaces. Criminal damage and arson also spiked by 250%, with seven incidents reported—triple the August count. This may be linked to the transition from summer to autumn, when property maintenance and seasonal preparations intensify. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 60% to two incidents, due to reduced retail footfall as schools resumed and fewer tourists visited. Vehicle crime increased by 200%, with three incidents reported, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. The breakdown shows a notable shift in crime mix, with 40% of reported crimes falling under violence and sexual offences—a category where Sidmouth's rate is 34% below the UK average. This suggests that while violent crime remains a concern, local rates are significantly lower than national benchmarks.

Sidmouth's crime rate in September 2025 remained stable at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, a 1.7% decrease from the previous month's 4.2. This consistency positions the area as one of the safest in the UK, with a rate 44.6% below the national average of 7.4. Locally, this translates to roughly two crimes reported per day across Sidmouth's 14,512 residents, a figure that reflects the area's low overall criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 242 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the community's relative security compared to larger urban centres. While the UK average sees 7.4 crimes per 1,000 people, Sidmouth's population-scaled perspective highlights how fewer incidents are spread across a smaller, more tightly knit community. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like anti-social behaviour, where Sidmouth's rate is 57% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of disruptive incidents in local public spaces.