Barnstaple Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple’s December 2025 crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents places the area 28.6% above the UK average, highlighting a stark contrast with national trends. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.7% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (12.5%) and public order offences (9.5%). These figures align with the area’s characteristics as a built-up coastal town within North Devon, where seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, party season, and extended evenings may contribute to increased incidents of violence and property crime. The dominance of violent offences—67% above the UK average—suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, such as the town’s proximity to tourist attractions and the presence of high-traffic areas during festive periods. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s sharp rise, 93% above the UK average, may be linked to the influx of visitors and the heightened commercial activity associated with the holiday season. Public order offences, also significantly above the UK average, could reflect the challenges of managing crowds in a compact built-up area during peak times. These trends, while concerning, are consistent with the seasonal rhythm of the area and its role as a hub for both residents and visitors.

December 2025 saw a dramatic 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from zero to three incidents. This surge, alongside a 100% rise in possession of weapons, underscores a sharp shift in crime dynamics. Shoplifting also climbed by 73.7%, from 19 to 33 cases, a trend that may reflect seasonal pressures such as Christmas shopping. In contrast, robbery and burglary both declined, with robbery falling by 70% and burglary dropping by 54.5%. These decreases could be attributed to heightened police presence during the festive period or reduced opportunities due to closures. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.3 per 1,000, remained 67% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour fell 41.4% from November. This mix of increases and decreases illustrates a combination of local factors and broader seasonal influences, with some categories aligning closely with national trends and others diverging significantly.

Barnstaple’s December 2025 crime rate (9.0 per 1,000) remained stable compared to the previous month’s 8.9 per 1,000, reflecting a 1.1% increase. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately nine crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in Barnstaple. This rate, while consistent with the prior month, places the area 28.6% above the UK average. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the relatively low crime rate per resident, the area’s built-up nature and seasonal dynamics—such as Christmas shopping and extended evenings—may contribute to a higher-than-average concentration of certain offences. These statistics, when viewed alongside local demographics and geography, provide a clearer picture of how crime patterns align with the area’s unique characteristics.