Barnstaple Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2024, Barnstaple’s total crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents—38.1% above the UK average—reflects a combination of seasonal factors and localized pressures. With 342 crimes reported across a population of 29,465, the rate translates to approximately 11 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a coastal town experiencing peak tourism. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.4% of all reports, a rate of 4.3 per 1,000 that was 51% above the UK average. This spike may be tied to the town’s summer activities, including festivals and outdoor events, which can draw large crowds and increase opportunities for conflict. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.6% of all crimes, with a rate of 2.3 per 1,000—59% above the UK average. This suggests challenges in managing public spaces during the busy summer season. Criminal damage and arson also surged, with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000—106% above the UK average—possibly linked to the same seasonal events. While property crimes such as shoplifting and burglary remained relatively low, the stark contrast between violent and property crime rates highlights a shift in the area’s crime profile. This pattern is consistent with Barnstaple’s character as a tourist destination, where public spaces and events may drive certain types of crime more than residential areas.

July 2024 saw a 200% increase in theft from the person, rising from one to three incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, highlights vulnerabilities in public spaces during peak tourist hours. Criminal damage and arson also rose sharply, with an 81% increase from 21 to 38 incidents, possibly linked to seasonal festivals or outdoor events. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, from four to two incidents, a decrease that may reflect reduced car usage during school holidays. The area’s violent crime rate—4.3 per 1,000—was 51% above the UK average, a disparity that outpaces other categories. Drugs-related offences, at 0.6 per 1,000, were 173% above the UK average, suggesting localized issues that may intersect with tourism or youth demographics. These trends contrast with burglary, which was 35% below the UK average, indicating that residential properties may be relatively secure despite the overall rise in crime.

Barnstaple’s crime rate in July 2024 rose to 11.6 per 1,000 residents, a 3.9% increase from the previous month’s 11.2 per 1,000. This places the area 38.1% above the UK average, a gap that has widened slightly over recent months. Daily crime statistics reveal that 11 crimes were reported each day in July, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 30,000. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 86 residents, a monthly exposure rate that translates to a 1-in-86 chance for any given resident. While this ratio is not uncommon for urban areas, the combination of high violent crime rates and specific category surges—such as drugs-related offences being 173% above the UK average—suggests localized pressures that may require targeted interventions. The population-scaled perspective shows that Barnstaple’s crime profile is more intense than the national average, particularly in categories tied to public order and anti-social behaviour.