Ilfracombe Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Ilfracombe's crime rate in September 2025 stood at 12.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the built-up area 68.9% above the UK average. This figure, though lower than the previous month's 15.7, remains significantly elevated compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.1% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 26.8%. These categories, along with shoplifting (13.0%) and public order offences (8.1%), dominate the local crime profile, suggesting a persistent challenge in managing public safety in a coastal town with a mix of tourism and local demographics. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely contributes to the higher incidence of anti-social behaviour and violence, as younger populations adjust to new routines. However, the decline in violent crimes compared to the previous month may reflect the natural ebb of summer tourism, which typically sees increased foot traffic and associated crime opportunities. Ilfracombe's crime picture contrasts sharply with the UK average, particularly in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, where the local rates are 47% and 182% higher respectively. This divergence from national trends suggests that local factors—such as the town's proximity to major transport links and its role as a tourist destination—play a significant role in shaping its unique crime profile. The data also highlights a concerning trend in drug-related crimes, which saw a 100% increase from 2 to 4 incidents, a category where Ilfracombe's rate is 54% above the UK average. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime patterns deviate most sharply from national norms, particularly in managing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and addressing the root causes of drug-related incidents.

September 2025 saw a notable reduction in violent crimes, with a 30.2% month-on-month decline from 53 to 37 incidents. This drop, while significant, still leaves the rate 47% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 31.3%, from 48 to 33 cases, though the category remains 182% above the national average. Conversely, drug-related crimes surged by 100%, rising from 2 to 4 incidents, a category where Ilfracombe's rate is 54% above the UK average. Burglary, meanwhile, dropped sharply by 75% to just one incident, a stark contrast to the 64% below the UK average for this category. These shifts reflect a combination of factors, including the end of summer tourism and the start of the academic year, which may have temporarily reduced opportunities for certain types of crime while increasing others.

Ilfracombe's crime rate in September 2025 fell by 20.6% compared to the previous month, declining from 15.7 to 12.5 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of coastal towns in early autumn, where tourism activity begins to wane and local residents adjust to shorter evenings. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately four reported crimes per day during September, a figure that, while lower than the previous month, remains higher than the UK average for similar-sized built-up areas. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 80 residents, a ratio that highlights the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in a community where tourism and local demographics intersect. This monthly exposure rate, though lower than August's figure, underscores the need for continued vigilance in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence remain elevated compared to national benchmarks.