Barnstaple Crime Rate

Barnstaple, within North Devon, exhibits a crime rate of 127.3 per 1,000 residents annually, based on data collected between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure places Barnstaple above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a higher risk of criminal activity compared to the national picture. While crime rates have remained stable over the reporting period, with a slight 2.0% year-on-year change, understanding the specific types of crime occurring and their distribution within the area is crucial for ensuring community safety. This resource aims to provide a clear overview of Barnstaple’s crime statistics, offering insights and practical advice to residents.

Barnstaple's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent, accounting for 36.7% of recorded incidents (1376 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely, representing 17.0% of crimes (637 incidents). Shoplifting also contributes significantly, at 13.3% (498 crimes). Overall property crime in Barnstaple stands at 42.1 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure highlights a potential need for increased vigilance and preventative measures within the community. The combination of these crime types suggests a complex interplay of factors, potentially including socioeconomic conditions, population density, and the presence of vulnerable individuals or businesses. A deeper investigation into these underlying causes may be beneficial in developing targeted interventions.

Crime rates in Barnstaple have demonstrated a stable trend, with a slight increase of 2.0% year-on-year based on data from January 2025 to December 2025. While this represents a relatively minor fluctuation, monthly data reveals some variability. For instance, crime rates peaked in August 2025 at 12.7 per 1,000, while the lowest rates were observed in November 2025 at 8.9 per 1,000. This suggests that seasonal factors or localised events may be influencing crime patterns. Ongoing monitoring and analysis are essential to identify any emerging trends and adapt preventative strategies accordingly.

How To Keep Safe in Barnstaple

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups where possible. Due to the frequency of Anti-social Behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your vehicles properly, using steering locks and alarms, to reduce the risk of vehicle crime. Finally, when it comes to shoplifting, be aware of your belongings and report any suspicious behaviour to store staff.

Crimes in Barnstaple exhibit distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur in the late-night hours, particularly between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, representing 20% of incidents during this period. The afternoon (12:00 PM to 6:00 PM) sees a higher incidence of theft, accounting for 44% of these crimes. Vehicle crime also tends to peak overnight (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM), suggesting a vulnerability during these hours. These trends highlight the importance of targeted preventative measures during specific times and locations.

Comparing Barnstaple to its neighbouring areas reveals a varied picture. Westacott experiences a significantly higher crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000, indicating a potentially more challenging environment. In contrast, Bickington and areas such as Bishop's Tawton and Ashford (North Devon) demonstrate remarkably low crime rates, with figures of 12.5, 0.0, and 0.0 per 1,000, respectively. This disparity highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety concerns.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after a crime has occurred. However, the scOS system offers a proactive approach to home security. By employing AI-powered threat detection at your property boundary, scOS identifies potential risks – such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals – before they can escalate into a break-in. Features like DVLA vehicle verification instantly flag suspicious vehicles, while multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors your property. The visible presence of scOS, with its lights and speaker system, acts as a powerful deterrent, often prompting potential intruders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds – the timeframe most burglars operate in. While DIY security systems certainly have their place, scOS provides a professional-grade level of protection, signalling to potential criminals that your property is well-guarded.