Mid Devon Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 84,993, Mid Devon recorded 478 crimes in May 2024 — equivalent to 0.56% of residents experiencing a crime. This rate of 5.6 crimes per 1,000 people places the area 33.3% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, comprising 38.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.6%). These figures align with Mid Devon's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community-focused policing and limited urban density may contribute to lower violent crime rates. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and bank holidays, likely influenced increased socialising in local pubs and public spaces, which may explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the area remains safer than the UK average for most crime categories, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both below 50% of national levels. This contrast with larger urban centres highlights the impact of population density on crime patterns, as Mid Devon's dispersed communities may reduce opportunities for certain types of offences.

May 2024 saw significant shifts in crime trends, with robbery jumping 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and drug-related offences doubling (from 5 to 10). These increases, while relatively small in absolute terms, suggest emerging concerns that warrant closer monitoring. Conversely, public order offences fell by 42.5% (from 40 to 23), possibly linked to reduced alcohol-fuelled incidents during the Easter holiday period. The area's violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 — 23% below the UK average — stands out as a consistent strength, though the rise in robbery could signal evolving criminal tactics. Vehicle crime in Mid Devon (0.1 per 1,000) is 79% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect lower car ownership rates in rural areas or effective local policing of unsecured vehicles. Residents might find the 53% reduction in shoplifting (from 34 to 25 incidents) particularly reassuring, as this aligns with broader UK trends of retailers adopting better security measures. However, the 120% increase in 'other crime' — a vague category encompassing everything from vandalism to fraud — highlights the need for more granular data to address specific local challenges.

Mid Devon's crime rate in May 2024 rose slightly from 5.4 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, a 3.9% increase over the previous month. This translates to roughly 15 crimes reported daily — a figure that, while seemingly high, remains well below the UK average when scaled to the area's population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 178 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the national average. This statistic provides context for residents: while the absolute number of crimes has risen, the proportion of the population affected remains small. Comparing to the previous month, the slight increase in overall crime rate may reflect seasonal patterns, with May's longer evenings and bank holidays contributing to more social interactions and associated risks. However, the area's persistent underperformance relative to the UK average in categories like vehicle crime (79% below) and shoplifting (53% below) underscores structural differences — such as lower urban density and effective local policing — that continue to shape Mid Devon's crime profile. These comparisons highlight both the progress made in maintaining safety and the ongoing need for targeted interventions in areas where crime rates are rising.