Barnstaple Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple’s crime rate in October 2023 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.2% below the UK average of 8.0. This slight edge over the national figure is notable for a built-up area in North Devon, where urban characteristics typically correlate with higher crime rates. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, each accounting for 28.9% of all reported incidents. These categories were both significantly above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour 80% higher and violent crimes 15% lower than the national benchmark. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the clocks changing, and the approach of Halloween—likely contributed to the prominence of anti-social behaviour, which often spikes in low-light conditions. However, the area’s overall crime profile shows a balance between property and violent crimes, with property-related offences making up 33% of the total. This mix may reflect Barnstaple’s status as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial activity, where both public spaces and private properties are vulnerable to different types of crime. The relatively low rate of burglary—just 0.4% of all crimes—suggests a degree of security effectiveness in the area, though this could also be influenced by the town’s smaller size and community cohesion. As the month progressed, the interplay of local factors and national trends continued to shape the crime profile, with no single category dominating the data. This nuanced picture highlights the importance of contextual analysis when interpreting crime statistics.

October 2023 saw a significant 75% increase in vehicle crime, rising from eight to 14 incidents. This surge may partly explain the shift in crime mix, as property-related offences now constitute 33% of all reported crimes, compared to 28.9% for violent crimes. Anti-social behaviour remained the most common category, with 28.9% of all crimes, and 80% above the UK average for this category. Theft from the person dropped by 83.3%, falling from six to one incident—a stark contrast to the rise in vehicle crime. This decrease could reflect heightened awareness around Halloween or seasonal changes in public behaviour. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 50%, from two to three cases, a category that is 43% above the UK average. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories showing marked divergence from national trends.

Barnstaple's crime rate in October 2023 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.7. This decline positions the area as slightly safer than the UK average, which remains stable at 8.0 per 1,000. Over the course of October, 232 crimes were recorded across 31 days, translating to roughly seven crimes per day. This daily figure provides a tangible snapshot of local activity, though it does not directly compare to national averages. When scaled to the population of 29,465, the monthly exposure rate means one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents. This metric underscores the relative frequency of incidents in a way that aligns with the area’s population density and local patterns. The reduction in crime from September may reflect seasonal shifts, such as the transition to darker evenings following the clocks changing in October, or changes in community activity during the lead-up to Halloween. However, the precise causes remain speculative without further data.