North Devon Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 101,222 residents, North Devon recorded 528 crimes in April 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national picture. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (40.9% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.5%) and criminal damage and arson (10.8%). These patterns align with North Devon's character as a largely rural and coastal area, where outdoor activity and seasonal factors may influence crime trends. The spring weather and Easter period in April likely contributed to increased public spaces usage, which could explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour and violent incidents. However, the lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as shoplifting (25% below UK average) and vehicle crime (100% below) suggest strong local measures or environmental factors—such as lower population density or community engagement—that may deter certain offences. The absence of significant rises in theft from the person or burglary further supports the notion of a crime profile shaped by geography and demographics, rather than acute spikes in criminal activity.

April 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with possession of weapons rising by 50% (from 4 to 6 incidents) and shoplifting increasing by 27% (from 37 to 47). These changes contrast with sharp declines in vehicle crime (-63.6%, from 11 to 4) and bicycle theft (-75%, from 4 to 1), which may reflect seasonal changes in outdoor activity or targeted policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences remained 18% below the UK average, with 2.1 per 1,000 residents—significantly lower than the national rate of 2.6 per 1,000. Similarly, anti-social behaviour was 34% below the UK average, potentially linked to North Devon's rural character and lower population density. The 16.3% increase in criminal damage and arson (49 to 57) raises questions about whether this reflects a seasonal uptick in vandalism or specific local incidents. Residents might find the 100% reduction in vehicle crime particularly noteworthy, as it suggests effective strategies to address this category, through improved lighting or community patrols in key areas.

North Devon's crime rate in April 2024 fell to 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 12.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.0 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the lower-than-average national trend but underscores a consistent local pattern of reduced criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 18 crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents when contextualised against the monthly exposure metric: over the course of April, one crime was reported for every 192 residents. This monthly aggregate highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in North Devon compared to other UK areas, particularly when considering its population size. The 32.5% gap between North Devon's rate and the UK average suggests that factors such as rural geography, community cohesion, or local policing initiatives may contribute to this disparity. However, the previous month's rate of 6.0 per 1,000 also indicates that April's decline was not an isolated occurrence, but part of a broader trend that could be influenced by seasonal factors or sustained efforts to reduce crime.