North Devon Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

North Devon's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure 41.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country, a trend that aligns with its largely rural and coastal geography, where population density and economic activity are lower than in urban centres. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, contributing 36.3% of all reported incidents. This rate (1.7 per 1,000) was 38% below the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the area's relatively low levels of social deprivation and strong community policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour followed, accounting for 23.6% of crimes, though its rate (1.1 per 1,000) was 18% below the UK average. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to universities and the start of the academic year—likely influenced patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres potentially contributing to higher rates of theft from the person and other crimes. However, the overall picture remains one of stability, with no major spikes in violent or property crime. The low rates of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000), both significantly below UK averages, further reinforce the area's safety profile. These figures, while reassuring, must be interpreted alongside broader social and economic factors, such as the presence of tourist attractions and the impact of seasonal events on local crime dynamics.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in September 2023 was a 300% increase in 'Other crime'—a category encompassing a range of non-specific offences. This surge, from 2 to 8 incidents, contrasts sharply with a 47.1% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from 17 to 9. The latter decline may reflect reduced summer activity and fewer vehicles parked in public spaces, a pattern consistent with seasonal transitions. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 36.3% of all crimes, though this rate (1.7 per 1,000) was 38% below the UK average. Theft from the person rose by 250%, jumping from 2 to 7 cases—a figure that could indicate increased foot traffic in areas where freshers gather. Meanwhile, possession of weapons saw a 100% increase, though this category's rate (0.1 per 1,000) still remained 43% below the UK average. These shifts highlight the combination of seasonal factors and localized dynamics, such as the start of the academic year.

North Devon's crime rate in September 2023 rose by 12.0% compared to August, increasing from 4.2 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This shift, though modest, aligns with seasonal transitions as nights draw in and university freshers begin their academic year. Locally, 16 crimes were reported daily on average—a figure that, while low compared to urban areas, reflects the district's rural character. Over the course of September, one crime occurred for every 215 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively safe environment in North Devon. The population context is key: with 101,222 residents, even small percentage changes translate to meaningful differences in absolute terms. For instance, the 12% rise corresponds to 54 additional crimes compared to the prior month. This context is critical for residents assessing risk, as it illustrates that while crime remains low, localized factors such as increased foot traffic in town centres or seasonal events may contribute to minor fluctuations.