Mid Devon Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

A 100% spike in bicycle theft in June 2024 stands out as the most unexpected shift in Mid Devon’s crime profile. This surge, from zero to five reported incidents, contrasts sharply with the 64% drop in shoplifting and the 58% decline in vehicle crime. The local authority district recorded a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents — 40.2% below the UK average of 8.2 — a figure that aligns with the area’s character as a largely rural district with limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime category (41.2% of total), though they still fell 28% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage followed, with both categories significantly underperforming national benchmarks. The seasonal context of June — the start of summer and the beginning of the tourism season in coastal areas — may explain the increase in bicycle theft, as more visitors arrive with cycling equipment. However, the drop in shoplifting could reflect heightened police visibility during peak tourist hours or changes in retail security measures. The overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, consistent with Mid Devon’s sparse population and lower levels of urban congestion compared to major cities.

June 2024 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from zero to five incidents — the largest month-on-month jump in any category. This surge, likely linked to increased tourism and summer cycling activity, contrasts with a 64% decline in shoplifting, which may reflect improved retail security or fewer footfall hours during the early summer. Public order offences also rose by 34.8%, potentially tied to the start of the tourist season and longer evenings. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 83.3%, suggesting a sustained reduction in knife crime. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most frequent category (173 incidents), were 28% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also fell significantly below national levels, with anti-social behaviour at 0.9 per 1,000 — 36% below the UK average. Vehicle crime dropped by 58.3%, due to fewer overnight stays in rural areas during the early summer months. Residents may find the 64% reduction in shoplifting particularly reassuring, though the spike in bicycle theft highlights the need for increased security measures in tourist hotspots.

Mid Devon’s crime rate in June 2024 (4.9 per 1,000 residents) marked a 12.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.6, reflecting a sustained downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 14 crimes per day — a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents assessing their monthly exposure. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 202 residents, a rate that remains well below the UK average. With a population of 84,993, Mid Devon’s crime statistics highlight the impact of its rural character on crime patterns. For example, the 78% drop in vehicle crime compared to the UK average may reflect the lower density of car parks and commuter traffic in the area. The 84% reduction in shoplifting — despite the start of the tourist season — suggests that local retailers may have implemented effective anti-theft measures. These figures illustrate how geographic factors, such as Mid Devon’s limited urbanisation and seasonal tourism dynamics, shape crime trends in ways distinct from larger cities.