Ilfracombe Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ilfracombe's crime profile in November 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by the area's coastal character and seasonal rhythms. The overall crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents places the town 26.7% below the UK average, a position consistent with its smaller, more tightly knit community and proximity to natural landscapes. The most prevalent crime category—violence and sexual offences—accounts for 38.9% of all reported incidents, a figure that may reflect the impact of late-night social activity in the town's hospitality sector. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 20.4%, potentially linked to the increased foot traffic during November's festivals and the darker evenings that extend into the early hours. In contrast, property crimes such as shoplifting and burglary are significantly below UK averages, with shoplifting at 27% below and burglary at 12% below. This divergence could be attributed to Ilfracombe's relatively low retail density compared to major urban centres, combined with the vigilance of a close-knit community. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night and the start of the Christmas shopping season—may also have influenced the rise in shoplifting, as seen in the 100% increase from October to November. However, the town's overall safety remains a notable feature, with violent crime rates particularly low relative to national trends. These patterns underscore how local geography, population dynamics, and seasonal events interact to shape crime profiles in distinct ways.

November 2023 saw a 100% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from two to four cases. This surge aligns with Black Friday shopping activity, which typically drives retail theft in coastal towns with seasonal tourism. Meanwhile, burglary and public order offences also doubled compared to October, suggesting a shift in criminal focus during the month. Vehicle crime fell by 50%—a stark contrast to the rising trends in other categories. The town's violent crime rate, at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, is 19% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, indicating a relative safety in this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, edged 5% above the UK average, possibly linked to the increased social activity during November's festivals. These shifts highlight how seasonal events can influence crime patterns, with retail-focused crimes rising while vehicle-related offences declined, likely due to reduced traffic during the holiday period.

Ilfracombe's crime rate in November 2023 rose 17.4% compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift in patterns. While the daily crime count remains low at approximately two incidents per day, the monthly exposure figure of one crime per 183 residents underscores the relatively low risk compared to larger urban areas. This statistic is particularly notable given the area's population of 9,873, which means residents face a far lower chance of being directly affected than in more densely populated regions. The change from 4.7 to 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents highlights a seasonal fluctuation, consistent with November's darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night. However, the overall rate remains 26.7% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as the town's coastal location and smaller community size—continue to play a significant role in maintaining lower crime levels. The contrast between Ilfracombe and UK-wide trends illustrates how geography and population density can shape crime profiles in distinct ways.