Barnstaple Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Barnstaple's crime rate in September 2025 stood at 10.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the built-up area 39.2% above the UK average. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the town, which has consistently recorded higher crime rates than the national average. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.2% of all incidents — a rate 32% above the UK average. Shoplifting followed closely, contributing 19.4% of all crimes, with rates 228% above the national average. These statistics suggest that retail areas, particularly those serving students and tourists, remain vulnerable to theft. The seasonal context of September, with its mix of back-to-school activity and the start of the academic term, may have influenced these patterns. While the town's built-up character and proximity to rural areas likely contribute to higher crime rates, the specific emphasis on property crimes and violent incidents indicates a need for targeted interventions. The overall crime rate, while lower than the previous month, remains significantly above the UK average, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts to address local vulnerabilities. The breakdown of crime types also reveals that anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though lower than in August, still exceed national averages by 20% and 67% respectively, suggesting that community tensions and disorder remain persistent issues.

September saw a 300% increase in robbery cases, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, signals a worrying shift in crime patterns. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 38.5% compared to August, with incidents dropping from 13 to 8. This decline may reflect improved security measures or seasonal changes, such as the return of students to university campuses. Shoplifting remained a major concern, with rates 228% above the UK average — a figure that highlights the pressures on retail areas during the back-to-school period. Anti-social behaviour decreased by nearly 30% in September, possibly linked to the start of the academic term and reduced late-night activity in the town centre. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of local rhythms and crime trends, with September acting as a transitional month between summer's peak activity and the quieter autumn period.

Barnstaple's crime rate in September 2025 fell by 18.5% compared to the previous month, dropping from 12.7 to 10.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline suggests a temporary easing in criminal activity, though the area remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the town experienced roughly 10 reported crimes each day in September, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 97 residents, a statistic that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population. While this monthly exposure rate is lower than the previous month's equivalent, it still underscores the need for vigilance in a community where crime is consistently higher than the national average. The drop in overall crime may be linked to seasonal factors such as the end of the summer tourist season, though the town's built-up character and proximity to rural areas likely contribute to persistent vulnerabilities.