Ilfracombe Crime Rate

Ilfracombe, within North Devon, recorded a concerning crime rate of 142.9 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure significantly exceeds the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a higher level of criminal activity compared to the national picture. While crime rates fluctuate, the data reveals an overall upward trend, with an 18.3% increase year-on-year. Monthly data highlights peaks in crime during June, July, August and September. Understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to this trend is crucial for residents and local authorities to implement effective safety measures. This page aims to provide a clear and factual overview of the situation, offering insights and practical advice.

Ilfracombe, a picturesque coastal town in North Devon, experiences a range of criminal activity. The most prevalent crimes recorded between January 2025 and December 2025 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.1% of all reported incidents (495 crimes). Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 24.9% of the total (352 crimes), reflecting the challenges of maintaining community harmony in a popular tourist destination. Shoplifting also contributed significantly, with 136 reported incidents, or 9.6% of all crimes. Criminal damage and arson (8.4%), public order offences (6.9%), and other theft (5.7%) further contribute to the overall crime landscape. While burglary is a concern, it represents a relatively smaller proportion of the total, at 1.8% (25 crimes), along with vehicle crime (1.3%). The prevalence of certain crimes is likely influenced by factors such as the town's tourism, seasonal population fluctuations, and local socio-economic conditions.

Crime rates in Ilfracombe have been steadily increasing, culminating in an 18.3% rise year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout 2025. While January and February saw relatively lower crime rates (13.5 and 12.9 per 1,000 respectively), a significant spike occurred in June (14.2 per 1,000), followed by continued high levels in July, August and September. A dip in October (9.7 per 1,000) offered a brief respite, but rates remained elevated compared to the beginning of the year. The final months of 2025 saw a slight decrease, with November and December recording 11.1 and 7.6 per 1,000 respectively, but remain above the baseline from January. This upward trend warrants careful monitoring and proactive intervention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Ilfracombe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s important to remain vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas, and be aware of your surroundings. Due to the significant level of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your belongings when shopping to mitigate the risk of theft. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community awareness and support. Finally, ensure your home is adequately secured with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system to deter potential burglars.

Crime in Ilfracombe exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 10% of incidents, while theft is more prevalent during commercial hours (9am - 5pm). Vehicle crime is notably higher overnight (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunities for theft or damage. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends, highlighting potential safety concerns during nightlife hours. These patterns underscore the importance of targeted preventative measures at specific times and locations.

Compared to surrounding areas, Ilfracombe’s crime rate is notably higher than neighbouring locations such as Combe Martin and Georgeham, which both reported significantly lower crime rates of 41.2 and 0.0 per 1,000 respectively. Chambercombe, another nearby area, also exhibits a lower crime rate at 71.6 per 1,000. This disparity suggests that Ilfracombe's specific characteristics, such as its coastal location and tourism industry, may contribute to the elevated crime rates observed.

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