Barnstaple Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple's crime mix in November 2025 reveals a starkly imbalanced profile, with violent crimes dominating at 42.5% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average. This built-up area within North Devon, home to 29,465 residents, recorded 261 crimes in total, translating to a rate of 8.9 per 1,000 people, 21.9% above the UK's 7.3 per 1,000. The most prevalent category, violence and sexual offences, was 48% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the town's dual role as a tourist destination and a commuter hub. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage followed, each contributing 11.1% and 9.2% respectively, though both remained below the UK average for their categories. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with Bonfire Night and the post-Black Friday period potentially exacerbating public order issues while reducing shoplifting opportunities. The contrast with vehicle crime, which was 75% below the UK average, highlights the area's lower exposure to motor-related offences, due to its compact layout and limited car-centric infrastructure. This crime mix illustrates an area where interpersonal conflicts and public disorder dominate over property crime, a trend consistent with smaller towns where community dynamics and local events shape criminal activity more directly than in larger cities.

November 2025 saw dramatic shifts in Barnstaple's crime profile, with robbery rates surging by 400% (from 2 to 10 incidents) and other theft cases rising by 240% (from 5 to 17). These increases may partly explain the area's 21.9% above-average crime rate compared to the UK. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 52.5% (from 40 to 19), potentially linked to the post-Black Friday lull in retail activity. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 39.6% (from 48 to 29), though this remains 6% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences—accounting for 42.5% of all crimes—were 48% above the UK rate, a stark contrast to vehicle crime, which was 75% below the national average. Residents might find the 173% increase in robbery rates particularly concerning, given the town's compact layout and high foot traffic in its historic centre.

Barnstaple's crime rate in November 2025 fell by 15.8% compared to the previous month, declining from 10.5 to 8.9 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and the post-Black Friday shopping period may have dampened opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 9 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of the town and its reliance on local retail and community hubs. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a moderate level of risk compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 29,465, Barnstaple's crime profile remains closely tied to its role as a regional hub in North Devon, where local demographics and seasonal events shape crime patterns more than broader national trends.