Braunton Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 presented an unexpected twist in Braunton’s crime profile, with sharp increases in specific categories that deviated from the area’s usual low-rate pattern. The overall crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents, though 72% below the UK average, revealed a combination of seasonal and local factors. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 35.3% of all incidents, a figure consistent with the area’s character as a coastal built-up area where social interactions in public spaces may contribute to such reports. Violence and sexual offences, though 77% below the UK average, remained a significant concern, with 29.4% of all crimes falling into this category. This suggests a persistent challenge in managing interpersonal conflicts, potentially exacerbated by the shortening days of November and the proximity to Bonfire Night. The seasonal context of November—marked by dark evenings, Black Friday shopping, and the annual Bonfire Night—likely influenced the sharp rise in vehicle crime and other theft, which both doubled from October. These spikes, however, were offset by a 50% drop in criminal damage and arson, reflecting reduced opportunities for such crimes during the colder, darker months. The low overall rate, combined with the UK comparison, underscores Braunton’s status as a relatively safe area, but the sudden shifts in specific crime types highlight the need for continued monitoring of local patterns. The interplay of seasonal events and the area’s geography—likely characterised by a mix of residential and coastal spaces—may explain these fluctuations, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct links.

November 2023 saw dramatic spikes in specific crime categories, with other theft, vehicle crime, and possession of weapons each rising by 100% from October. This surge contrasts with a 50% decline in criminal damage and arson, which fell from two to one incident. Anti-social behaviour remained the most common crime type, contributing 35.3% of all incidents, and was 33% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK rate by 77%, accounted for 29.4% of total crimes, suggesting a persistent focus on interpersonal disputes. Possession of weapons—though only one incident—was 67% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect heightened local concerns or reporting practices. These shifts highlight how seasonal factors like dark evenings and holiday shopping could temporarily amplify specific crime types, even in areas with generally low rates.

Braunton's crime rate in November 2023 rose to 2.1 per 1,000 residents from 1.6 per 1,000 in October, marking a 31.2% increase. This shift reflects a localised fluctuation rather than a national trend, as the area's overall rate remains 72% below the UK average. Daily crime statistics show one reported crime occurred roughly every 30 days in Braunton, translating to an average of one crime per day over the month. This equates to a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 486 residents, underscoring the low frequency of incidents relative to the population. When contextualised against Braunton’s population of 8,265, this suggests that most residents experience no direct impact from crime, though the increase in certain categories warrants attention. The shift from October to November highlights how seasonal events—such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping—may temporarily influence local crime patterns, even in areas with historically low rates.