Ilfracombe Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 9,873 residents, Ilfracombe recorded 95 crimes in July 2024, translating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 people. This figure places the area 14.3% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects the unique dynamics of a coastal town with a seasonal tourism peak. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (34 incidents, 35.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (20 incidents, 21.1%), and criminal damage and arson (10 incidents, 10.5%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a built-up area within North Devon, where the summer months bring increased foot traffic, festivals, and events that may contribute to higher levels of public disorder and property damage. While the overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, the breakdown shows that certain categories—particularly public order and anti-social behaviour—exceed national benchmarks by significant margins. This suggests that local factors, such as the concentration of tourist activity in specific areas or the timing of seasonal events, may play a role in shaping the crime profile. The data also highlights a shift in the balance between property and violent crime, with the latter dominating the landscape, which is consistent with the presence of high-traffic zones and the transient nature of summer visitors.

July 2024 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, most public order offences, which surged by 166.7% compared to June (3 to 8 incidents). This jump may be linked to the summer festival season and the influx of tourists, which can strain local resources and amplify tensions in crowded spaces. Possession of weapons and theft from the person both doubled from zero to one and two incidents respectively. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 35.5% (31 to 20 incidents), possibly reflecting the impact of local enforcement measures or the natural fluctuation of seasonal activities. Shoplifting also dropped by 33.3% (12 to 8 incidents), which could indicate the effectiveness of retail security initiatives or a shift in criminal activity to other areas. Ilfracombe’s violent crime rate (3.4 per 1,000) is 19% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (2.0 per 1,000) is 38% above. These discrepancies highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where summer tourism and local demographics intersect. A resident might find the 166.7% increase in public order offences particularly concerning, as it suggests a potential need for enhanced community policing during peak tourist periods.

Ilfracombe’s crime rate in July 2024 (9.6 per 1,000) represents a 13.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.1 per 1,000, marking a notable decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents for local residents. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 104 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, is not uncommon for a coastal town with seasonal fluctuations. The population context is critical: for a community of nearly 10,000 people, 95 crimes represent a relatively small proportion of the population, but the concentration of certain offences—such as public order and anti-social behaviour—suggests that specific areas or events may be contributing to the disparity. This comparison underscores the importance of contextualising crime data within the local environment, where tourism, geography, and seasonal rhythms can significantly influence patterns. While the overall rate has decreased from June, the persistence of above-average rates in key categories indicates that ongoing efforts to address these issues may be necessary, particularly during the peak summer months.