Braunton Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 8,265, Braunton recorded 28 crimes in October 2024, translating to a crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 58.0% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence in local crime patterns compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50.0% of the total (14 incidents), followed by burglary (17.9%) and criminal damage and arson (10.7%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK averages for these categories, where violence and sexual offences are 36% below the national rate, burglary is 82% above, and criminal damage and arson are 32% below. October’s seasonal context—shorter days, the clocks going back, and Halloween—likely contributes to the spike in violence and sexual offences, though the area’s small size and rural-urban mix may also play a role. The low overall rate suggests effective community policing or demographic factors, such as a lower proportion of high-risk groups. However, the 58% gap from the UK average remains notable, particularly given the prominence of violent crime in the local breakdown.

October 2024 saw significant fluctuations in crime types compared to September. Public order offences surged by 100%, rising from zero to two incidents, while other crime and burglary also increased by 100% each. This sharp rise in public order offences may reflect the impact of Halloween activities or increased foot traffic in the area. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 75% (from four to one incident), and criminal damage and arson fell by 57.1% (from seven to three), possibly due to seasonal changes reducing opportunities for such crimes. The local rate for violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) is 36% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of interpersonal violence compared to national trends. However, burglary in Braunton (0.6 per 1,000) is 82% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), indicating a local vulnerability that may be linked to the area’s built-up nature and potential for targeted property crime. Residents may find the 100% increase in public order offences particularly relevant, as it could signal a need for heightened vigilance during seasonal events.

The crime rate in Braunton rose by 27.4% in October 2024 compared to September’s rate of 2.7 per 1,000, though it remains far below the UK average. Over the course of the month, there was approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that may seem low but reflects the area’s small population. Monthly exposure calculations show that one crime occurred for roughly every 295 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low risk of experiencing crime in this built-up area. When scaled to the population of 8,265, the 28 reported crimes represent a manageable burden, though the 100% increase in public order offences and burglary suggests areas for targeted attention. The stark contrast with the UK average—where the national rate is 8.1 per 1,000—highlights Braunton’s unique position as a place with significantly lower crime levels, despite the spikes in specific categories. This comparison reinforces the importance of localized crime analysis, as national averages may not fully capture the nuances of smaller communities with distinct social and geographic characteristics.