North Devon Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

North Devon's crime profile in May 2025 reveals a mix of stability and unexpected shifts. The overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1, masks a significant increase in public order offences and theft from the person. Violence and sexual offences, at 253 incidents, accounted for 36.3% of all crimes, a category that remained 12% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime (138 cases), mirrored the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. The most surprising finding, however, is the 100% increase in public order offences, which rose from 25 to 50. This surge aligns with May's seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor drinking, a pattern often observed in coastal areas with tourist attractions. Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000, remained 19% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's retail density. In contrast, drug-related crimes fell sharply, with 10 incidents in May compared to 13 in April, a decline that suggests possible success in local policing strategies. The data also shows that burglary, vehicle crime, and bicycle theft remained well below UK averages, consistent with North Devon's largely rural character and lower population density.

Public order offences saw a 100% increase in May, rising from 25 to 50 incidents. This surge, which outpaced the UK average for public order offences (0.6 per 1,000), aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising. Theft from the person also doubled, with four reported cases compared to two in April, a change that may reflect heightened foot traffic in town centres during May bank holidays. Meanwhile, other thefts fell by 30.9%, from 55 to 38, a decline consistent with the UK average for this category (0.5 per 1,000). Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000, remained 19% above the UK average of 0.7, a discrepancy that may be linked to North Devon's retail presence. Drug-related crimes dropped by 23.1%, from 13 to 10, a trend that contrasts with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000.

North Devon's crime rate in May 2025 rose by 17.1% compared to April, moving from 5.9 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase. below the UK average of 8.1, reflects a shift in local patterns. Daily crime figures show 23 reported crimes per day in May, a rate that, while lower than the UK average, suggests ongoing pressure on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a figure that contextualises the impact of crime on the local population. With a population of 101,222, this translates to a monthly exposure rate that, while manageable, highlights the need for sustained community engagement. The rise in violent crime and public order offences contrasts with declines in drug-related incidents, indicating a combination of factors influencing local crime dynamics.