North Devon Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

North Devon's crime rate in June 2023 stood at 3.7 per 1,000 residents, 56.5% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a 27.4% increase from May, remains in line with the area's historically low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (29.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.2%). These patterns align with North Devon's character as a largely rural and coastal district, where seasonal factors such as the start of summer tourism may influence crime dynamics. The rise in anti-social behaviour, for instance, could be linked to increased foot traffic in tourist hubs or social gatherings during longer daylight hours. Similarly, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson may reflect more outdoor activity and the availability of remote, less-monitored areas. However, the area's overall crime rate remains significantly below national levels, suggesting that local initiatives or geographic factors—such as sparse population density—may contribute to this disparity. The data also shows that property crimes, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, remain well below UK averages, a trend consistent with North Devon's lower retail density compared to major urban centres.

June 2023 saw a dramatic 500% increase in 'other crime'—a category that rose from one to six reported incidents. This surge, combined with a 155.6% jump in criminal damage and arson (from 18 to 46), highlights a sharp uptick in non-violent but potentially disruptive offences. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes fell by 42.9%, and vehicle crime dropped by 14.3%, indicating possible shifts in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 33.7% of total crimes, but this rate was still 55% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also fell significantly below the UK average, with a 26% deficit. The 150% rise in bicycle theft—driven by increased summer activity—may reflect greater outdoor presence in the area's rural and coastal regions, where cycling is common.

North Devon's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 27.4% compared to the previous month, climbing from 2.9 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, still places the area 56.5% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 13 crimes were reported in June—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's relatively low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 268 residents, a ratio that underscores the area's safety compared to national trends. With a population of 101,222, this monthly exposure translates to a manageable frequency for most residents. The rise in crime appears to be concentrated in specific categories rather than a broad increase across all types, suggesting targeted factors may be at play, such as seasonal shifts in activity or localized events.