Mid Devon Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 saw Mid Devon's overall crime rate rise by 9.1% compared to June, reaching 5.4 crimes per 1,000 residents — 35.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure marks a continuation of the area's historically lower crime profile, though the increase in reported incidents warrants scrutiny. The most significant category by volume was violence and sexual offences (200 cases, 43.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (78 cases, 17.0%) and criminal damage and arson (44 cases, 9.6%). Seasonal factors likely play a role in these patterns: July is a peak month for tourism, with festivals and outdoor events drawing visitors to Mid Devon's coastal and rural attractions. The surge in violence may be consistent with increased foot traffic in town centres and social hubs, though no direct causal link can be established without further analysis. Anti-social behaviour rates remain below the UK average (38% lower), which could reflect local policing strategies or community engagement efforts. The relatively low rates of property crime (131 cases, 28.6% of total) contrast with the UK average, suggesting that Mid Devon's rural character and dispersed population may reduce opportunities for burglary and vehicle crime. However, the rise in violent crime highlights the need for targeted interventions during summer months when public spaces see higher usage.

The most striking month-on-month change was a 300% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 1 to 4 cases — the only category above the UK average (43% higher). This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during late-summer festivals or unexplained spikes in illegal firearm activity. Violent crimes also increased by 9.1% overall, with shoplifting and burglary rising by 100% and 41.7% respectively. The 100% drop in bicycle theft (5 to 1 case) could be attributed to seasonal shifts, with fewer cyclists on the roads during summer holidays. Conversely, drugs offences fell by 38.5% (13 to 8 cases), linked to reduced demand during the tourist season. While property crime rates remain significantly below the UK average (35.7% lower overall), the balance between violent and property crime has shifted, with violence now accounting for 43.7% of total incidents compared to 28.6% for property crime. This shift may be influenced by the area's mix of rural and coastal communities, where social interactions in public spaces are more frequent. Residents should note that the rate of violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) is 16% below the UK average, suggesting that while incidents have increased, Mid Devon's overall profile remains comparatively safer in this category.

Mid Devon's crime rate in July 2024 (5.4 per 1,000) was 9.1% higher than the previous month's rate (4.9 per 1,000).7% below the UK average. This translates to roughly 15 crimes reported per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised against the area's population of 84,993. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 186 residents — a monthly aggregate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to more densely populated regions. The daily crime count (15 per day) is consistent with the area's rural character, where incidents are spread across a larger geographic footprint. When compared to the UK average, Mid Devon's residents face a 35.7% lower risk of experiencing crime, a gap that persists across most categories. For example, anti-social behaviour occurs at a rate 38% below the UK average, and vehicle crime is 78% below national levels — figures that may reflect the area's lower population density and limited urban centres. However, the 9.1% month-on-month increase raises questions about whether temporary factors, such as increased tourism or changes in policing activity, have influenced recent trends. Residents should note that while the overall rate has risen, the area's crime profile remains significantly safer than the UK average, with violent crime rates 16% below the national figure.