Ilfracombe Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Ilfracombe during November 2024 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 52.9% of all reported crimes. This stark contrast to the UK average, where such offences make up just 2.6 per 1,000 residents, highlights a significant imbalance in the local crime mix. With a total crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents—13.2% above the UK average—Ilfracombe’s data suggests a community grappling with persistent challenges in violent crime prevention. The dominance of violence and sexual offences, coupled with a 35% above UK average rate for anti-social behaviour, raises questions about underlying social dynamics. Seasonal factors in November, including the approach of Bonfire Night and the Black Friday shopping rush, likely contribute to heightened tensions and opportunities for crime. The town’s coastal location and tourist appeal may also play a role, as increased foot traffic during festive events could exacerbate issues like public order disturbances. However, the data also shows some encouraging trends: shoplifting and public order offences fell significantly, reflecting seasonal lulls or targeted policing efforts. The balance between property crimes (16 incidents) and violent crimes (45 incidents) further underscores the need for focused strategies to address the root causes of violence in the area. While the overall crime rate remains a concern, the specific composition of crimes offers insight into local priorities for law enforcement and community engagement.

November 2024 saw sharp month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with other thefts surging by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents) and drug-related crimes doubling from 0 to 3. These increases, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging trends such as heightened retail activity during the Black Friday period or shifts in local drug markets. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 71.4% (from 14 to 4), possibly due to stricter retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the early part of the month. The violent crime category remains the most alarming, with a rate of 4.6 per 1,000—78% above the UK average—suggesting that local interventions may need to be more aggressive in addressing underlying factors like alcohol-fuelled conflicts or domestic disputes. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.5 per 1,000, is also higher than the UK average, which could be tied to the area’s mix of permanent residents and transient visitors. For residents, the most concrete takeaway is the 6.3% rise in overall crime rate compared to October, which may prompt closer attention to local safety initiatives or community policing efforts.

Ilfracombe’s crime rate in November 2024 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, a 6.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.1 per 1,000. This places the area slightly above the UK average, which stands at 7.6 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 3 crimes per day in November—a figure that, while manageable, reflects the cumulative impact of persistent violent crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 116 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the scale of incidents for local households. With a population of 9,873, this means that nearly 7% of residents were directly affected by crime in some form. The comparison to the UK average highlights both strengths and weaknesses: while shoplifting and public order offences are below national levels, the high rate of violent crime suggests a need for targeted interventions. This contrast may be partly explained by Ilfracombe’s unique characteristics—its coastal location attracting both tourists and seasonal workers, and its compact built-up area potentially amplifying the impact of interpersonal conflicts. For residents, these statistics underscore the importance of community vigilance and the potential for localised solutions to address the most pressing crime concerns.