Barnstaple Crime Rate June 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Barnstaple, 11.3 crimes were reported in June 2025—39.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This translates to a 1-in-89 chance of being a victim of a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that may seem abstract until considered through the lens of daily life. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime picture, accounting for 44.3% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.7%) and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). These figures align with the seasonal rhythm of summer in a coastal town, where longer evenings and the early stirrings of tourism may contribute to heightened social tensions. The sharp focus on violence and sexual offences contrasts with the UK average, where such crimes account for just 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This discrepancy may reflect Barnstaple’s character as a town with a mix of urban and rural elements, where transient populations and the proximity to natural spaces could influence patterns of interaction and conflict. While anti-social behaviour and property crimes are also elevated, the most striking divergence from the UK norm lies in the high rate of violence, which may partly explain the 25.6% month-on-month increase in this category. As summer progresses, the interplay between local demographics, tourism, and seasonal activities will likely shape how these figures evolve.

June 2025 saw a 25.6% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 117 to 147 incidents—a category that remains 75% above the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. This surge may be linked to the start of the tourist season, with summer evenings drawing larger crowds to the town’s coastal promenades and public spaces. Anti-social behaviour also rose, though not as sharply, while criminal damage and arson increased by 107% above the UK average, suggesting potential links to local disputes or vandalism in newly developed areas. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 60% month-on-month, potentially reflecting reduced demand for car-related services during the warmer months or shifts in criminal activity toward more immediate, high-impact offences. The drop in robbery (75%) and possession of weapons (80%) could indicate successful policing efforts or a seasonal shift in crime types, though these categories remain below the UK average. Other theft and burglary both rose by 8.3% and 18.2% respectively, with burglary now 43% above the UK average. Residents may find it useful to note that shoplifting, while less severe than violence, still occurs at a rate 43% above the national average, a trend likely influenced by the town’s retail presence and the influx of temporary visitors.

Barnstaple’s crime rate in June 2025 (11.3 per 1,000) marked a 9.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 12.5 per 1,000, indicating a slight but notable shift in local crime dynamics. This decline, however, still leaves the town significantly above the UK average, with 39.5% more crimes per capita than the national benchmark. On a daily basis, 11 crimes were reported each day in June, a figure that may feel more tangible when considering that this rate includes both violent and property offences. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 89 residents—a statistic that, while not immediately alarming, underscores the persistent presence of crime in daily life. The population context adds nuance: with 29,465 residents, even a modest increase in violent offences can have a visible impact on community safety. While the rate of vehicle crime fell sharply, the elevated levels of violence and anti-social behaviour suggest that the town’s crime profile remains distinct from the UK average. This contrast may reflect Barnstaple’s unique mix of rural and urban environments, where the pressures of tourism and local social networks intersect. As the summer progresses, the interplay between these factors will likely shape whether the current trends persist or shift further.