North Devon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

North Devon's overall crime rate in January 2026 was 4.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 36.8% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a sustained trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area, which is consistent with its rural character and limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 48.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.8%). These patterns align with seasonal factors typical of January: post-holiday periods, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours that likely contribute to fewer outdoor crimes. The dominance of violent crimes over property crimes contrasts with many urban centres, where property offences often dominate. However, the relative safety in property crime categories—such as vehicle crime (100% below UK average) and burglary (64% below)—suggests effective community policing or environmental deterrents in place. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (46% below UK) and shoplifting (47% below) further indicate that local initiatives or community cohesion may be playing a role in reducing low-level disorder. While violence remains the most prevalent category, its rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is still 16% below the UK average, suggesting that targeted interventions or demographic factors (such as lower population density) may be influencing this trend. The seasonal context of January—a time of reduced social activity and economic activity—likely amplifies the impact of these factors, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal links.

January 2026 saw notable decreases in vehicle crime (-80%) and theft from the person (-66.7%), with vehicle crime dropping from 20 to 4 incidents. This sharp decline may be attributed to reduced traffic during the post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours, which limit opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, 'other crime' rose by 125%, increasing from 8 to 18 incidents. While the exact nature of these crimes is unspecified, this surge could reflect underreported or emerging issues that warrant closer monitoring. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 23.1% (39 to 48), suggesting potential challenges in managing community tensions or enforcing local rules during colder months. North Devon’s violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) is 16% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour (0.5 per 1,000) is 46% below, indicating a consistent pattern of lower-than-average disorder. This is particularly striking given the prominence of violent crime in the local breakdown, which may be influenced by specific local dynamics such as smaller community sizes or targeted policing efforts. Residents may find the 80% drop in vehicle crime reassuring, as it suggests fewer risks associated with car-related theft or vandalism, a common concern in areas with higher traffic volumes.

North Devon’s crime rate in January 2026 (4.3 per 1,000) was 14.1% lower than the previous month’s rate of 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 14 crimes per day in January, a figure that, while specific to North Devon, provides context for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 232 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many urban areas. This statistic underscores the relatively low risk of encountering crime in North Devon, even when compared to the UK average. When scaled to the area’s population of 101,222, the crime rate suggests that the majority of residents are unlikely to experience crime directly, though the prominence of violent offences (48.3% of total crimes) highlights the need for targeted safety measures. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a 14.1% reduction in overall crime, which may be partly explained by seasonal factors such as reduced social activity and lower foot traffic in retail and leisure areas. However, the persistent gap between North Devon’s crime rate and the UK average—now 36.8%—suggests that the area’s characteristics, such as its rural landscape and lower population density, may inherently contribute to lower crime levels. This contrast with the UK average is particularly evident in property-related crimes, where North Devon’s rates are consistently below national benchmarks, though the exact reasons for this disparity require further exploration.