Crime Statistics

Barnstaple Crime Rate

+13.9%year-over-year

Crime is increasing and HIGH in Barnstaple

Barnstaple reports a crime rate of 131.7 per 1,000, higher than the UK average, with an increasing trend. Safety score: 71/100.

Overall Crime Rate

131.7
Crimes per 1,000 people
increasing trend

Property Crime Rate

44.0
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Barnstaple Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:131.7vs 93.4 UK avg
+38.3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:44.0vs 33.2 UK avg
+10.8 per 1,000 people

Barnstaple's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 29,465 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Barnstaple

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Barnstaple
Overall Crime Rate131.7 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate44 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score71 out of 100
Population29,465
Trendincreasing
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Barnstaple
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences1,3844736%
Anti-social behaviour71424.218%
Shoplifting5611914%
Criminal damage and arson32911.28%
Public order2598.87%
Other theft1866.35%
Drugs1153.93%
Burglary943.22%
Other crime682.32%
Vehicle crime461.61%
Possession of weapons411.41%
Bicycle theft411.41%
Theft from the person240.81%
Robbery170.60%

Introduction to Crime in Barnstaple

Barnstaple, a prominent urban area within North Devon, records an overall crime rate of 131.7 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. With a safety score of 71 out of 100, Barnstaple is considered less safe than the UK average score of 78. Furthermore, the area is experiencing an increasing trend in crime, with a 13.9% rise observed year-over-year. These statistics highlight the current crime landscape in Barnstaple, providing a foundation for understanding the specific types of offences and temporal patterns that follow.

Barnstaple Safety Score

71
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Barnstaple's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Barnstaple

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:36%
Per 1,000:47
Total:1,384
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:18%
Per 1,000:24.2
Total:714
#3

Shoplifting

Percentage:14%
Per 1,000:19
Total:561
#4

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:11.2
Total:329
#5

Public order

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:8.8
Total:259

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

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Crime Type Analysis in Barnstaple

In Barnstaple, the crime breakdown indicates that violence and sexual offences are the most significant category, making up 35.7% of all crimes, at a rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, accounting for 18.4% (24.2 per 1,000), followed by shoplifting at 14.5% (19.0 per 1,000). Property-related crime is a key concern for residents, with an overall rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (11.2 per 1,000), other theft (6.3 per 1,000), burglary (3.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.6 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (1.4 per 1,000). The high rates of violence, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting are indicative of challenges typically found in urban centres. For homeowners and businesses, the substantial property crime rate underscores the critical need for effective security measures to mitigate risks associated with theft, burglary, and criminal damage.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
1,384 incidents (47 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
714 incidents (24.2 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
561 incidents (19 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
329 incidents (11.2 per 1,000)
Public order
259 incidents (8.8 per 1,000)
Other theft
186 incidents (6.3 per 1,000)
Drugs
115 incidents (3.9 per 1,000)
Burglary
94 incidents (3.2 per 1,000)
Other crime
68 incidents (2.3 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
46 incidents (1.6 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
41 incidents (1.4 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
41 incidents (1.4 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
24 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Robbery
17 incidents (0.6 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 3.7% change(over 12 months)
Barnstaple
UK Average

Compare Barnstaple with similar populations

Barnstaple has a 41.0% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Barnstaple

Barnstaple has seen an increasing crime trend, with a 13.9% rise in total crimes over the past year. Monthly crime rates, expressed per 1,000 residents, show fluctuations across the period. Rates were 10.7 in October 2024, slightly increasing to 11.4 in November, then dipping to 10.6 in December and 9.3 in January 2025. A notable increase occurred in March (11.6) and a peak in May (12.5) and August (12.7) 2025, suggesting a potential seasonal pattern with higher crime during warmer months, possibly linked to increased outdoor activity. The rate concluded at 10.3 in September 2025. This consistent upward trend highlights the evolving crime landscape in Barnstaple, prompting residents to remain vigilant and review their personal and property security arrangements.

When Do Crimes Happen in Barnstaple?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Barnstaple's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Barnstaple?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft44%
Other42%
Burglary9%
Vehicle Crime5%
Violence0%

Morning hours show elevated theft and other crimes, likely impacting businesses and commuters.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft46%
Other39%
Burglary14%
Vehicle Crime2%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees a peak in theft and other offences, often targeting commercial and public spaces.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other64%
Theft19%
Burglary12%
Vehicle Crime5%
Violence0%

Evening hours are dominated by 'other' crimes, with some theft and burglary also occurring.

Night

12am - 6am

Other55%
Burglary18%
Vehicle Crime15%
Theft11%
Violence0%

Night-time indicates increased burglary, vehicle crime, and other offences when streets are quieter.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Barnstaple's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Barnstaple, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time Patterns of Crime in Barnstaple

Crime in Barnstaple exhibits distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily marked by theft (44%) and 'other' crimes (42%), likely reflecting activity around commercial openings and commuter movements. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) also sees significant theft (46%) and 'other' crimes (39%), possibly linked to peak shopping hours and increased public presence. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become dominant (64%), while theft reduces to 19%. This shift suggests a change in the nature of offences, potentially involving more social or public order issues. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a rise in burglary (18%), vehicle crime (15%), and 'other' crimes (55%), often occurring when properties are unattended and streets are quieter. Understanding these patterns can help residents and authorities target preventative measures more effectively.

Crime Rates Near North Devon

Exeter

34.3 miles

114.5
per 1,000
High Risk

Mid Devon

24.8 miles

62.9
per 1,000
Low Risk

Teignbridge

36.8 miles

61.4
per 1,000
Low Risk

Torridge

13.7 miles

56.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

West Devon

28.5 miles

44.5
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Somerset

33.0 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Bishop's Tawton

1.8 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Ashford (North Devon)

2.3 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Bickington

1.7 miles

12.5
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Westacott

1.5 miles

32.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Police Response Times in Barnstaple

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

17 minActual
Actual
17 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
2 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

39 minActual
Actual
39 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
21 min faster than target

Active Officers

3,618

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does Barnstaple Compare?

Ormskirk

59.7
crimes per 1,000 people
54.7% safer than Barnstaple

Port Talbot

118.9
crimes per 1,000 people
9.7% safer than Barnstaple

Eston

214.1
crimes per 1,000 people
62.6% higher than Barnstaple

Great Yarmouth

234.5
crimes per 1,000 people
78.1% higher than Barnstaple

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Barnstaple's crime rate of 131.7 per 1,000 provides important context when compared to surrounding areas. Westacott, Bickington, Bishop's Tawton, and Ashford (North Devon) are typically smaller settlements or suburban areas that tend to exhibit lower crime rates than Barnstaple, which serves as a larger urban and commercial hub. The higher population density and greater concentration of commercial activities in Barnstaple naturally contribute to a different crime profile, particularly concerning offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. This comparison helps residents understand that while Barnstaple has a higher crime rate than its immediate, more residential neighbours, this is often a characteristic of its role as a regional centre.

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Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

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  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
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Protecting Your Property in Barnstaple

With Barnstaple's property crime rate standing at 44.0 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, robust home security is a paramount concern. Relying on traditional security systems that merely record footage after a burglary means you have evidence, but the crime has already occurred. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach is crucial. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary. Unlike basic DIY cameras that only notify you after an intrusion, scOS intervenes in real-time. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, learns your routines to avoid false alarms, and can verify vehicles instantly. This professional-grade deterrence, with features like autonomous light activation and speaker engagement, is designed to make potential burglars move on within seconds, offering a superior alternative to reactive solutions.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Barnstaple

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Barnstaple. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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