Ilfracombe Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Ilfracombe's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 11.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 42.0% increase above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This represents a significant deviation from national trends, with local crime patterns dominated by violent and anti-social incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.2% of all reported crimes, a figure that is 52% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 27.4% of total crimes, is 118% above the national rate, reflecting a marked imbalance in local crime dynamics. Shoplifting, at 14.2% of total crimes, is 139% above the UK average, suggesting a particular vulnerability in retail environments. These figures are consistent with seasonal patterns observed in coastal towns during May, when extended daylight hours and public holidays often lead to increased socialising and outdoor activity. The combination of Ilfracombe's status as a tourist destination and its compact built-up area likely contributes to these elevated rates, as higher foot traffic and transient populations can amplify opportunities for certain types of crime. While the overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, the breakdown of crime types reveals a combination of local demographics and environmental factors that require targeted attention.

Violence and sexual offences saw a 60.0% increase in May 2025 compared to April, with 42 incidents reported. This surge, which is 52% above the UK average, is particularly concerning given the town's character as a tourist destination. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with 31 incidents reported in May — an 118% increase over the UK average. This category's elevated rate may be linked to the town's compact built-up area, where limited space can exacerbate tensions. Shoplifting incidents jumped by 60.0% from 10 to 16, placing Ilfracombe 139% above the UK average for this category. This suggests that retail outlets in the town centre may be experiencing heightened vulnerability, due to increased foot traffic during the May bank holiday period. The 'other crime' category doubled from 1 to 2 incidents, while possession of weapons increased from 0 to 1 — both significant month-on-month changes. Conversely, public order offences decreased by 60.0%, with only 2 incidents reported in May compared to 5 in April, a contrast that may reflect seasonal variations in outdoor activity patterns. These shifts highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during peak socialising periods.

Ilfracombe's crime rate in May 2025 (11.5 per 1,000) represents a 10.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 10.3 per 1,000, indicating a clear upward trend. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 4 crimes per day in May, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 87 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, though these figures are specific to Ilfracombe and cannot be directly compared to national averages. When considering the population context, the town's 9,873 residents experienced a high level of crime compared to the UK as a whole. The 42.0% gap between Ilfracombe's rate and the UK average underscores the need for localised strategies to address the unique challenges faced by this coastal community. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown of crime types reveals that certain categories — particularly violence and anti-social behaviour — are significantly more prevalent than in other parts of the country. This disparity may be partly explained by the town's tourism-driven economy, which brings both economic benefits and increased pressure on local resources and community cohesion.