North Devon Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 101,222 residents, North Devon recorded 277 crimes in April 2023 — a figure that equates to just 0.27 crimes per person. This translates to a crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 64% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The low rate is particularly notable in the context of April's seasonal dynamics, including Easter holidays and increased outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 29.6% of all incidents (82 cases), followed by violence and sexual offences (27.8%, 77 cases) and criminal damage and arson (10.1%, 28 cases). These patterns align with North Devon's character as a largely rural district with a mix of coastal and inland communities, where public order issues and property-related crimes are more common than violent crime. The seasonal context of April — with its spring weather and Easter-related events — may have influenced patterns, though the overall low rate suggests effective community policing and local initiatives are likely contributing to the area's relative safety. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour remain significant concerns, with the former showing a sharp increase compared to March despite still being below the UK average. The data also reveals a marked decline in other crime categories, suggesting that targeted interventions may be yielding results. As a rural area, North Devon's crime profile appears to be shaped by its geographic and demographic characteristics, with property-related offences and public order issues dominating over more severe crimes.

April 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Shoplifting increased by 62.5% compared to March, rising from 16 to 26 incidents — a sharp contrast to the category's 38% below the UK average. Meanwhile, possession of weapons surged by 150%, with reports jumping from 2 to 5 cases. These spikes may be linked to seasonal factors such as Easter-related disruptions or increased outdoor activity. Conversely, other crime fell by 77.8% (from 9 to 2 cases), and burglary dropped by 64.3% (from 14 to 5 cases), suggesting potential improvements in property security measures. Violence and sexual offences also declined significantly, falling by 60.1% (from 193 to 77 cases) — though this remains 69% below the UK average. The area's anti-social behaviour rate, at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, is 32% below the UK average, indicating a consistent trend in managing public order issues.

North Devon's crime rate in April 2023 dropped by 38.6% compared to March, reflecting a marked shift in local crime patterns. With 277 reported crimes over 30 days, the area saw an average of 9 crimes per day — a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 365 residents during the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in North Devon compared to other regions. When considering the population of 101,222, the 2.7 crimes per 1,000 residents equates to a manageable burden for local policing and community services. The decline from April's 4.5 per 1,000 rate to 2.7 per 1,000 suggests sustained efforts in crime prevention may be yielding results. However, the daily crime count remains a tangible reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence remain prevalent.