Ilfracombe Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Ilfracombe's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 9.7 per 1,000, placing it 26.0% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the area's unique position within North Devon, where tourism and coastal living intersect with the challenges of a small built-up area. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (35.4% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (26.0%) and other theft (10.4%). These figures reflect the social dynamics of a coastal community, where seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and Halloween-related activity may contribute to higher rates of violence and disorder. The area's proximity to the coast and its role as a tourist destination could also influence crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour linked to transient populations and late-night activity. However, the data also reveals a combination of factors: while violent crime remains a concern, shoplifting rates fell significantly, due to the shift in consumer focus during October. The seasonal context—clocks going back, darker evenings, and the approach of Halloween—likely plays a role in shaping these trends. Ilfracombe's crime profile thus illustrates a mix of localised challenges and broader national trends, requiring a nuanced understanding of both geography and demographics to address effectively.

October 2025 saw a stark 200% increase in burglary cases, rising from one to three incidents, a shift that contrasts sharply with the 62.5% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 16 to six cases. This divergence may reflect seasonal shifts, with Halloween-related activity potentially driving anti-social behaviour and burglary while reducing retail theft. Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 26.0% of all crimes, was 98% above the UK average, highlighting a localised challenge that warrants attention. Meanwhile, vehicle crime doubled from zero to three incidents, a change that could be linked to increased holiday travel or seasonal parking patterns. Shoplifting's decline aligns with Halloween-focused consumer activity. The overall balance between property and violent crimes also shifted, with violent offences (34 cases) now slightly outpacing property crimes (29 cases), a reversal from prior months. This mix suggests evolving patterns in local crime dynamics, though further analysis is needed to identify underlying trends.

Ilfracombe's crime rate in October 2025 dropped by 22.0% from the previous month's 12.5 per 1,000 to 9.7 per 1,000, marking a notable decline. This reduction aligns with the transition from the Halloween season to the quieter early winter period, which may have influenced local activity patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day, a figure that reflects the built-up area's density and proximity to coastal tourism routes. Over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, suggests a manageable level of risk for residents. The population context—Ilfracombe's 9,873 residents—further contextualises these figures, showing that the crime burden is distributed across a relatively small community. The decline from the previous month may also be attributed to seasonal factors, such as shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for certain types of crime without further data.