Barnstaple Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple’s crime rate in October 2025 stood at 10.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 7.7. This 36.4% disparity positions the area as a focal point for understanding regional variations in crime. The most common offences were violence and sexual offences (37.4% of all crimes), anti-social behaviour (15.5%), and shoplifting (12.9%). These figures align with Barnstaple’s character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural elements, where high foot traffic in retail areas may contribute to shoplifting, and social dynamics in community spaces could exacerbate anti-social behaviour. October’s seasonal context—darker evenings, the transition to British Summer Time, and Halloween—may have influenced crime patterns, particularly in public order and violence. The sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, though not explicitly linked to seasonal factors, could reflect underlying tensions or environmental vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the relatively low rates of burglary (3.2%) and vehicle crime (1.3%) suggest that Barnstaple’s residential and commercial zones may have robust security measures. However, the 122% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights a need for targeted interventions in retail corridors. The overall picture illustrates a combination of local demographics, geographic features, and seasonal rhythms, all of which shape Barnstaple’s crime profile in ways that diverge from national trends.

October 2025 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson, which rose by 86.7% from 15 to 28 incidents. This surge, combined with a 42.9% rise in ‘other crime’ and a 33.3% increase in vehicle crime, suggests shifting patterns in local criminal activity. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 77.8%, dropping from 9 to 2 incidents—a stark contrast that may reflect seasonal changes, such as reduced cycling during darker evenings. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 37.4% of all crimes and 47% above the UK average. This disparity, along with shoplifting rates 122% above the national average, underscores Barnstaple’s unique challenges. For residents, the 12.9% share of shoplifting incidents highlights the need for targeted retail security measures in the town’s commercial hubs.

Barnstaple’s crime rate in October 2025 remained stable at 10.5 per 1,000 residents, a 1.9% increase from the previous month’s 10.3 rate. This suggests little change in overall trends, though the area’s rate continues to outpace the UK average by 36.4%. Daily crime statistics show an average of 10 reported incidents each day, translating to one crime occurring for every 95 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population, which stands at 29,465. While Barnstaple’s rate is higher than the UK average, the stability in month-on-month figures indicates that broader systemic factors—rather than transient events—may be driving the disparity. The population context further underscores that even small shifts in crime numbers can have measurable impacts on local residents, particularly in areas where crime rates are already elevated.