Braunton Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Braunton recorded 13 crimes, equivalent to 1 in every 636 residents, reflecting a consistently low crime rate for an area of this size. With a population of 8,265, the area's crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents is 80% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This places Braunton among the safest localities in the country, though the low figure must be contextualised by the area’s character. As a built-up area within North Devon, Braunton likely benefits from a combination of community cohesion, limited nightlife density, and a relatively low population density compared to larger urban centres. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (30.8%), and criminal damage and arson (15.4%). These patterns suggest a balance between domestic and community-level issues, though the absence of significant property crime (only 4 incidents) contrasts with typical urban profiles. Seasonal factors in October—such as darker evenings and the timing of Halloween—may contribute to the modest increase in public order offences, though the overall rate remains exceptionally low. The data illustrates a crime profile shaped by both local demographics and the seasonal rhythm of the region, with no clear spikes in any single category that would suggest a sudden shift in public safety concerns.

October 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime types, with public order offences doubling from 0 to 1 and theft from the person rising by 100% from 0 to 1. These increases occurred alongside a 50% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 8 to 4. This shift may reflect seasonal dynamics, such as the timing of Halloween, which could have influenced both the types of incidents reported and the willingness of residents to come forward. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 33.3%, though it remained well below the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. The overall balance of crime types in Braunton diverges from the UK profile: while violence and sexual offences account for 30.8% of local crimes (compared to 2.7 per 1,000 nationally), property crime remains low. The area’s crime mix is also distinct in its absence of significant theft from the person, which in the UK averages 0.1 per 1,000 but in Braunton reached 0.1 per 1,000. For residents, the most immediately relevant statistic is the 50% reduction in violent crime, which may indicate a seasonal decline in alcohol-related incidents or improved community policing efforts during the month. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the importance of contextualising them within the area’s unique characteristics.

Braunton’s crime rate in October 2023 (1.6 per 1,000) represented a 31.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 2.3 per 1,000, demonstrating a consistent downward trend over recent months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 0 crimes per day—a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. When scaled to the population, this translates to 1 reported crime for every 636 residents over the course of the month, a ratio that is exceptionally low compared to both national averages and other regions with similar population sizes. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible benchmark for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime in Braunton remains minimal. The area’s population context further reinforces this: with 8,265 residents, the low crime rate suggests that community factors—such as strong local ties, limited commercial activity outside of core hours, or effective policing—may play a role in maintaining safety. While the UK average crime rate is 8.0 per 1,000, Braunton’s performance is not merely a function of its size but also of its unique socioeconomic profile. These comparisons highlight the area’s ability to sustain a crime rate that is both statistically and practically distinct from the national picture, offering residents a level of security that is uncommon in more densely populated regions.