The question of why Ilfracombe experiences a higher rate of violence and sexual offences compared to the national average is complex and doesn't have a simple answer. Available data indicates that Ilfracombe, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in North Devon with a population of 9,873, has a crime rate of 142.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Furthermore, Ilfracombe’s safety score is 68/100, falling below the UK average of 79.
It's important to note that crime rates are influenced by a multitude of factors, and pinpointing specific causes within a relatively small population like Ilfracombe is challenging. The data alone doesn't reveal why this elevated rate exists. Possible contributing factors could include socioeconomic conditions, population density, the availability of support services, and reporting rates. A higher population density, even within a small BUA, can sometimes correlate with increased opportunity for crime. It's also possible that reporting practices or data collection methods within Ilfracombe differ from the national norm, artificially inflating the perceived crime rate.
It is crucial to avoid assumptions and recognise that correlation doesn’t equal causation. Further investigation, beyond the provided data, would be required to understand the underlying drivers. For example, an analysis of the types of crimes reported, the demographics of offenders and victims, and comparisons with similar BUA's might provide further insight. Local authorities and community groups are best placed to investigate these nuances and implement targeted interventions to address the root causes of crime and improve the safety score.