Braunton Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Braunton, a built-up area within North Devon, the per-capita crime rate in September 2024 was 2.7 per 1,000 residents — a figure that translates to a 64.9% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. For residents, this means that the probability of encountering crime in their daily lives remains exceptionally low. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.4% of all reported incidents — a category that saw a 20% monthly decline. This may be influenced by the seasonal rhythm of the area, where the start of the academic year and the associated community activities could contribute to a temporary reduction in violent incidents. Criminal damage and arson, at 31.8% of total crimes, emerged as the second most common category, albeit with a notable 61% increase above the UK average for this type. This discrepancy may reflect the unique character of Braunton as a coastal built-up area, where environmental factors or local events could impact property-related offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 18.2% of total crimes, declined sharply by 33.3% from August, suggesting that the return of students and the structured environment of the academic term may act as a mitigating factor. The overall low crime rate, combined with the absence of significant spikes in property crimes like vehicle theft or burglary, underscores the area’s relative safety. However, the 75% increase in criminal damage and arson warrants closer examination, as it deviates from the broader UK trend and may signal a localised issue requiring targeted attention. For residents, the implications are clear: while the risk of encountering crime remains minimal, the specific nature of the incidents — particularly the rise in criminal damage — highlights the need for continued vigilance and community engagement.

September 2024 saw a notable shift in crime patterns within Braunton, with drug-related offences doubling from one to two incidents — a 100% increase. This surge, though small in absolute terms, may reflect the influx of university students during freshers’ week, a seasonal trend that has historically correlated with increased drug-related activity in similar coastal built-up areas. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 33.3%, possibly due to the onset of the academic term and increased community activity. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose sharply by 75%, reaching seven incidents — 61% above the UK average for this category. This anomaly may be linked to the area’s coastal character, where seasonal weather patterns or local events could inadvertently create conditions conducive to such offences. Residents should note that vehicle crime also saw a 100% increase, though it remains at a negligible level compared to national averages.

Braunton's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 15.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.2 per 1,000. This reduction, while modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of the area’s built-up character, where community engagement and local policing may exert a stabilising influence. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the month — a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 8,265 residents. Translating this into a monthly exposure perspective, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 376 residents, illustrating the relatively sparse nature of criminal activity in this coastal built-up area. This starkly contrasts with the UK average, where the density of population and urban centres drive significantly higher rates. For residents, the implication is clear: the likelihood of encountering crime in Braunton remains exceptionally low compared to both national benchmarks and the area’s own historical trends.