Barnstaple Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Barnstaple, 6.7 crimes were reported in June 2023, a rate that is 21.2% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a 27.8% increase from the previous month, remains a testament to the area’s comparatively lower crime profile. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (32.3% of all incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (29.8%) and criminal damage and arson (11.6%). These patterns align with Barnstaple’s identity as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural characteristics, where anti-social behaviour may be amplified by public spaces and social interactions in the town’s historic centre. The rise in criminal damage and arson, coupled with the sharp increase in bicycle theft, may reflect seasonal dynamics such as the start of the summer tourist season, which brings more visitors and more opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Meanwhile, the rate of violence and sexual offences, though still significant, is 32% below the UK average—a disparity that could be attributed to Barnstaple’s lower population density and more community-oriented policing efforts. The data also shows that shoplifting and public order offences are below UK averages, suggesting that local initiatives or the town’s character as a tourist destination may deter certain types of crime. Overall, the crime rate in June 2023 illustrates a combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and the built environment, with the area’s relatively low rate offering a sense of security to residents despite the monthly uptick in specific categories.

June 2023 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, criminal damage and arson, which surged by 187.5% compared to the previous month. This jump from 8 to 23 incidents suggests a potential link to seasonal factors, such as the start of summer and increased outdoor activity in Barnstaple’s coastal and rural areas. Bicycle theft also rose sharply, with a 150% increase to 5 incidents, possibly reflecting higher foot traffic in tourist zones or local events. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 50%, from 10 to 5, a decrease that may align with the closure of certain venues or shifts in community engagement during the month. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained the most common crime type, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000—49% above the UK average—highlighting ongoing challenges in managing public conduct in the town’s built-up areas.

Barnstaple’s crime rate in June 2023 rose to 6.7 per 1,000 residents, a 27.8% increase from the previous month’s 5.3. This means the area remains 21.2% below the UK average, a consistent trend that underscores its relatively safer profile compared to national benchmarks. Locally, this translates to roughly 7 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while notable, reflects a manageable level of activity for a built-up area with a population of 29,465. Over the course of June, one crime occurred for every 149 residents, a monthly aggregate that illustrates the frequency of incidents in a way that aligns with the area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural influences. The population context further clarifies that, despite the rise, the rate remains well within the bounds of what residents might expect for a community of this size and geography.