Ilfracombe Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Ilfracombe's crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 7.8% above the UK average of 6.4. The balance between property and violent crime was closely matched, with 22 violent crimes reported compared to 21 property crimes. This near-parity suggests a shift in crime dynamics, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as the winter lull in outdoor activity and pre-spring social patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.4% of all crimes, while anti-social behaviour made up 26.5%, both figures highlighting the area's distinct profile compared to the national average. The high proportion of anti-social behaviour may reflect the town's character as a coastal resort with transient populations, where social interactions can sometimes escalate into disorder. Meanwhile, the relatively low incidence of shoplifting (2.9% of total crimes) and public order offences (2.9%) contrasts with the UK average, suggesting that local community engagement or policing efforts may be mitigating these categories. Seasonal context plays a role: February's low outdoor activity could reduce opportunities for theft from the person or vehicle crime, though the slight rise in violent crimes compared to January may indicate increased indoor social gatherings or other winter-specific factors. The data underscores the need for tailored approaches to address anti-social behaviour while maintaining vigilance in areas where crime rates remain consistently lower than the UK average.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, may signal shifting patterns in local drug use or distribution networks. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 75% compared to January, with only 2 incidents reported—far below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This decline could be linked to reduced foot traffic during the winter months, a common trend in coastal towns reliant on tourism. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 12.5%, from 16 to 18 incidents, marking a concerning upward trend in this category. Violent crimes decreased by 8.3%, from 24 to 22, though this remains a significant proportion of total crimes. For residents, the sharp drop in shoplifting may offer reassurance, but the rise in anti-social behaviour and drug-related incidents warrants attention. The balance between property and violent crime—nearly equal—contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. This suggests that local factors, such as the town's social fabric or policing strategies, may be influencing crime patterns in ways distinct from the national trend.

Ilfracombe's crime rate in February 2026 (6.9 per 1,000) marked a 10.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.7 per 1,000, indicating a short-term decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that, while modest, reflects the town's relatively small population of 9,873 residents. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 145 residents over the course of the month—a rate that, while slightly above the UK average, remains manageable for a community of this size. The comparison to the UK average highlights specific discrepancies: anti-social behaviour in Ilfracombe was 98% above the national average, suggesting unique local challenges, while public order offences were 51% below, potentially indicating effective local policing in that category. The 1-in-145 resident figure provides context for residents, showing that while crime is present, it does not overwhelm the community. This monthly exposure rate is comparable to other small coastal towns where transient populations and seasonal tourism influence crime patterns. The decline from January may reflect the natural ebb and flow of criminal activity, with the winter lull reducing opportunities for certain types of crime while others, like anti-social behaviour, persist due to social dynamics.