Ilfracombe Crime Rate

Ilfracombe's crime profile is defined by a sharp increase in robbery (+75% YoY) and a persistently high rate of anti-social behaviour (124% above UK average). While the overall crime rate (131.2 per 1,000) is stable compared to the previous year, the town faces distinct challenges compared to the UK average. Shoplifting and public order crimes remain elevated, reflecting the impact of tourism and retail activity on local safety.

Ilfracombe is a picturesque coastal town in North Devon, known for its scenic cliffs and bustling tourism industry. Its built-up area includes a mix of residential zones, retail centres, and tourist attractions. The high foot traffic from visitors, combined with a seasonal economy, may contribute to elevated anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates. The town's compact layout and limited public transport options could also influence crime patterns, such as vehicle crime in commuter parking areas.

The most surprising finding in Ilfracombe is the 124% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, with 32.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This may be linked to the town's tourism-driven economy, where transient populations and crowded public spaces can foster disturbances. Shoplifting, at 70% above the UK average (12.8 per 1,000), likely stems from retail activity in the town's high streets and visitor footfall. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (70% above UK average) may reflect issues with property maintenance in older residential areas. These trends contrast with the 24% YoY rise in burglary, which remains below the UK average, due to increased home security measures or community awareness.

Crime in Ilfracombe has remained stable (1.2% YoY) over the past year, but notable shifts include a 75% increase in robbery and a 70% rise in criminal damage and arson. The sharp rise in robbery may be linked to increased foot traffic during peak tourism seasons, such as summer months. Conversely, shoplifting and public order crimes have declined slightly (-6% YoY), possibly due to targeted policing efforts. The annual peak in August (15.7 per 1,000) aligns with seasonal tourism patterns, while February (6.9 per 1,000) marks the lowest monthly rate, reflecting reduced visitor activity.

How To Keep Safe in Ilfracombe

Residents should focus on mitigating anti-social behaviour (124% above UK average) by reporting disturbances promptly to the police. For shoplifting risks (70% above UK average), avoid leaving valuables unattended in public spaces. Given the rising robbery rate (+75% YoY), avoid carrying large sums of cash in high-traffic areas. For criminal damage concerns (70% above UK average), ensure property boundaries are clearly marked and consider installing motion-sensor lighting in vulnerable areas.

Crime in Ilfracombe shows distinct patterns tied to the area's daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (54% of cases between 12pm-6pm), likely linked to retail activity and tourist shopping. Burglary spikes at night (16% of incidents between 12am-6am), possibly due to isolated properties or unoccupied homes during off-peak hours. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a mix of theft and other crimes, reflecting social activity in public spaces. Vehicle crime is concentrated overnight (17% of cases), which may be attributed to limited street lighting in peripheral areas.

Compared to nearby areas, Ilfracombe's crime rate is 100% higher than Chambercombe (65.7 per 1,000) and 193% higher than Combe Martin (44.8 per 1,000). This disparity may be attributed to Ilfracombe's larger population, higher tourism activity, and denser built-up environment. Combe Martin's significantly lower rate suggests that rural isolation and smaller population size contribute to its safer profile.

For residents in Ilfracombe, addressing anti-social behaviour (124% above UK average) requires proactive measures, scOS leverages AI to detect disturbances near properties, triggering automated lights and speakers to deter unwanted activity. This system is particularly effective in areas with high foot traffic, such as the town centre. Its cloud-based storage captures two weeks of footage, providing valuable evidence for local authorities. A scOS Architect tailors the system to the specific layout of Ilfracombe's properties, ensuring targeted coverage for the most pressing concerns.