Cullompton Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw Cullompton's overall crime rate stand at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 34.7% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal dynamics and local patterns, with the built-up area within Mid Devon experiencing a notable shift in crime distribution. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 50% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (16.1%) and anti-social behaviour (16.1%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a period marked by heightened activity in retail and hospitality sectors, coupled with extended periods of darkness. The town's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average may be partially explained by its smaller population and lower density of commercial spaces, though the sharp rise in certain categories suggests emerging pressures. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Cullompton (2.4 per 1,000) was 8% below the UK average for this category, a contrast to the 43% above average rate for criminal damage and arson. This divergence highlights the need to examine local factors such as the timing of festive events, the impact of seasonal tourism, and the potential influence of community-focused policing initiatives. The data also indicates a significant seasonal component, with the darker evenings and holiday season likely contributing to an uptick in incidents involving public order and anti-social behaviour. These patterns, while consistent with broader UK trends, underscore the importance of contextual analysis when interpreting crime statistics for a specific area.

The month-on-month crime rate in Cullompton rose by 60.2%, reflecting a marked increase in specific categories. Criminal damage and arson saw the most dramatic surge, jumping 350% from two incidents in November to nine in December. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors such as holiday decorations and increased foot traffic in public spaces. Burglary also rose sharply, doubling from zero to one incident, while public order offences increased by 100%, from one to two cases. These figures contrast with the decline in shoplifting, which fell by 50% (from two to one incident), potentially reflecting reduced retail activity during the Christmas period. The town's performance against the UK average reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities: while violence and sexual offences were 8% below the national average, criminal damage and arson were 43% above, and drugs offences were 50% above the UK average. These disparities suggest that localised challenges—such as the concentration of property crimes in specific areas or the influence of transient populations—may be driving certain trends. For residents, the 350% increase in criminal damage and arson is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance during the holiday season, particularly in public spaces and near commercial areas.

Cullompton's December 2023 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents represents a significant increase from the previous month's rate of 2.9 per 1,000, marking a 60.2% rise. This shift places the area's monthly crime tally at roughly two incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the impact of seasonal dynamics on local crime patterns. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 212 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in a community of 11,887. This rate, though relatively low compared to the UK average, reveals the uneven distribution of crime types within the area. For context, the daily crime count in Cullompton is lower than the UK average, which stands at approximately 2.3 incidents per day per 1,000 residents. However, the disparity in specific crime categories—such as the 43% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson—suggests that local factors may be amplifying certain risks. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the importance of considering both absolute numbers and relative rates when assessing public safety. While the overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, the month-on-month increase underscores the need for continuous monitoring, particularly in areas where specific crime types have shown marked fluctuations. This comparison provides a nuanced view of Cullompton's position within the broader UK crime profile, balancing the area's relative safety with the challenges posed by seasonal variations and localised pressures.