Barnstaple Crime Rate March 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple's March 2025 crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents places it 48.7% above the UK average of 7.8 per 1,000. This discrepancy is most pronounced in violence and sexual offences, which occur at 4.3 per 1,000 — 58% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (2.2 per 1,000) and shoplifting (1.2 per 1,000) also exceed national benchmarks by 76% and 76% respectively. The built-up area's crime profile reflects a shift toward more personal and public order offences compared to property crimes, with violent crime accounting for 36.8% of total reported incidents. Seasonal factors may contribute to this pattern: as March transitions to spring, extended daylight hours and the clocks moving forward could influence evening activity patterns in Barnstaple's town centre, increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The area's character as a coastal market town with a mix of residential and retail spaces likely plays a role in these trends, with high foot traffic and social interactions creating conditions for certain types of crime. While property crime remains a concern, its share of total incidents (29.8%) is lower than the UK average, suggesting local efforts to address burglary and vehicle crime may be having an effect.

March 2025 saw a 94.1% increase in public order offences, rising from 17 to 33 incidents — the largest month-on-month jump in any category. Theft from the person also doubled, with four reports compared to two in February. These increases contrast with a 71.4% drop in 'other crime' and a 50% reduction in possession of weapons offences. Violence and sexual offences remain the most significant outlier, with 126 incidents (4.3 per 1,000) — 58% above the UK average. The town's anti-social behaviour rate (2.2 per 1,000) is 76% higher than the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Shoplifting, at 1.2 per 1,000, is 76% above the UK average, potentially linked to Barnstaple's retail presence. Burglary (0.2 per 1,000) is 29% below the UK average, indicating that local security measures or property design may be effective in this category. Residents might find the 74% reduction in vehicle crime (from 6 to 4 incidents) particularly reassuring, though the small numbers mean this trend requires further observation.

Barnstaple's March 2025 crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 represents a 17.2% increase from February's 9.9 per 1,000, reflecting a growing concern over local safety. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 11 crimes per day — a figure that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide averages, highlights the need for localised strategies. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 86 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in this built-up area. With a population of 29,465, the 342 reported crimes translate to a significant impact on the community. While the UK average crime rate is 7.8 per 1,000, Barnstaple's rate suggests a distinct local context — possibly influenced by its role as a market town with regular events and retail activity. The comparison to the previous month reveals a troubling upward trend, particularly in public order and violent offences, which have risen sharply. This increase contrasts with a decline in other categories, such as 'other crime' and weapons possession, though these lower figures may reflect underreporting rather than a genuine reduction in activity. The disparity between Barnstaple's rates and the UK average highlights the importance of tailoring crime prevention efforts to the specific dynamics of this coastal community.