North Devon Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

North Devon's crime mix in August 2025 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. With a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents—9.9% below the UK average—the area's profile diverges from national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominate (37.4% of all crimes), slightly below the UK average (2.9 per 1,000 vs 2.7 per 1,000 locally), suggesting a lower incidence of severe violent crime compared to other regions. Anti-social behaviour follows closely (19.8% share), also below the UK average, reflecting a community where public disorder remains relatively contained. The most notable outlier is shoplifting, which occurs at 0.9 per 1,000 residents—43% above the UK average—highlighting the influence of tourism and retail activity in coastal areas. This contrast is amplified by the sharp drop in vehicle crime (74% below the UK average), likely due to North Devon's lower population density and reduced urban infrastructure. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month—correlates with increased burglary risks, as evidenced by the 125% month-on-month rise in property crimes. This pattern is consistent with broader trends in tourist destinations, where empty homes during summer months create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Meanwhile, the low rates of drug-related offences (63% below UK average) and vehicle crime may indicate a community with stronger social cohesion and fewer concentrated areas of economic deprivation. The balance of crime types—prioritising property crimes over violent ones—suggests a region where economic factors and tourism play a more significant role in shaping criminal activity than demographic issues typically associated with urban centres. This mix, while not without challenges, positions North Devon as a safer, more stable environment compared to the national average.

August 2025 saw a sharp 125% increase in burglary cases, rising from 12 to 27 incidents. This surge aligns with the season's peak in holiday-related property crimes, as vacant homes and unoccupied properties become more common. Concurrently, bicycle theft jumped 120% (5 to 11 cases), a trend likely tied to increased summer cycling activity and tourist traffic. Shoplifting incidents rose 26% to 87 cases, placing this category 43% above the UK average—a stark contrast to other crime types like drugs offences (63% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (74% below). The most significant decline was in theft from the person, which halved from 4 to 2 cases, potentially reflecting heightened police presence or seasonal deterrence factors. These shifts underscore a combination of tourism, local demographics, and law enforcement activity in shaping North Devon's crime profile.

North Devon's crime rate in August 2025 rose 5.0% from 6.9 to 7.3 per 1,000 residents, marking the first monthly increase since early 2025. This shift contrasts with the overall 9.9% annual deficit to the UK average. Daily crime counts averaged 24 incidents per day, consistent with summer patterns but slightly higher than the previous month's 22. Over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for every 137 residents—a figure that, while low, reflects the area's relatively sparse population density. The increase in burglary (+125%) and shoplifting (+26%) suggests seasonal pressures on local businesses and homes, though these remain isolated spikes against a backdrop of generally stable crime trends. The monthly exposure metric (1-in-137) places North Devon well below the UK average, reinforcing its status as one of the safer regions in England and Wales.