Barnstaple Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple’s crime rate in October 2024 was 10.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 32.1% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the area’s distinct crime profile compared to the national picture, where violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominate local statistics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.5% of all crimes, with 115 incidents reported, significantly exceeding the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.1% of total crimes, with a 55% gap above the national rate. Shoplifting, at 15.2% of all crimes, was 122% above the UK average, likely reflecting the town’s retail presence and the impact of seasonal factors such as Halloween. The data aligns with Barnstaple’s character as a coastal town with a mix of tourist attractions and residential areas, where high foot traffic and seasonal events may contribute to elevated levels of theft and disorder. October’s shorter days and darker evenings, compounded by the start of the festive season, may have amplified incidents of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, though the month’s overall crime rate saw a modest decline from the previous month. The persistence of violent crime above the UK average suggests a need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or public spaces. While the local context—combining a historic town centre with modern retail hubs—explains some patterns, the 32.1% gap above the UK average highlights the urgency of addressing underlying factors such as community engagement and policing strategies.

Month-on-month changes revealed stark shifts in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons surged by 300%, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, a figure that may reflect heightened tensions during Halloween or increased police visibility. Burglary doubled from 6 to 12 cases, suggesting vulnerabilities in residential security, particularly in areas with seasonal property turnover. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 75%, from 4 to 1, potentially linked to reduced foot traffic in the evenings as clocks went back. The breakdown also shows that violent crimes remain 46% above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting both exceeding national rates by over 50%. While property crimes accounted for 32.8% of all incidents (104 out of 315), the dominance of violent crime—115 cases—illustrates a shift in the crime mix compared to previous months. Residents may find the 79% below-average rate for vehicle crime noteworthy, indicating that local parking practices or enforcement may be effective in this category.

Barnstaple’s crime rate in October 2024 stood at 10.7 per 1,000 residents, a 4.3% decrease from the previous month’s 11.2 per 1,000. This slight decline suggests a stabilisation in local crime trends, though the area remains significantly above the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents within a small community. On a daily basis, Barnstaple experienced approximately 10 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the ongoing need for vigilance. While the population context shows that crime is not evenly distributed across all demographics, the data does not indicate a shift in the overall balance between property and violent crime. The local context—combining a coastal location with a mix of residential and commercial zones—likely influences the persistence of certain crime types, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which remain high compared to national averages.