Ilfracombe Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Ilfracombe’s crime profile in January 2026, accounting for 31.6% of all reported incidents, with 24 cases recorded. This category, at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, is 4% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, a nuanced contrast that may reflect the town’s unique demographic and geographic profile. As a coastal town in North Devon, Ilfracombe’s crime profile is shaped by seasonal rhythms, including the post-holiday lull in retail activity and the impact of shorter days on outdoor crime. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places the area 13.2% above the UK average, a figure that, while higher than the national benchmark, is consistent with the challenges faced by smaller, rural communities. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, surged to 1.6 per 1,000 residents, 72% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose sharply to 1.0 per 1,000 residents, 108% above the UK average, potentially linked to the town’s built-up area and the seasonal impact of cold weather on property maintenance. These trends highlight the interplay between local conditions and broader national patterns, with violence and sexual offences emerging as a critical focus for community safety initiatives.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in burglary (+200%), robbery (+100%), and shoplifting (+100%), all of which may partly explain shifts in the crime mix. These rises, particularly in shoplifting, align with the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, a seasonal factor that could contribute to opportunistic theft. Conversely, public order offences fell by 71.4%, and vehicle crime dropped by 66.7%, likely reflecting shorter days and fewer outdoor activities typical of January. Anti-social behaviour remains above the UK average, with a 72% higher rate than the national figure, suggesting persistent challenges in managing community disturbances. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes decreased by 50%, a decline that may be linked to seasonal changes in substance use patterns or law enforcement efforts. These contrasts illustrate the combination of local and national trends in shaping Ilfracombe’s crime profile.

Ilfracombe’s crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, a 1.3% increase from the previous month’s 7.6 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major spikes or dips in overall criminal activity, though localized shifts in specific categories are evident. Daily crime counts averaged two incidents per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the town’s small population of 9,873. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 130 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualizes the frequency of incidents relative to the community’s size. This metric highlights that, despite the 13.2% increase above the UK average, Ilfracombe’s residents face a relatively manageable level of risk compared to larger urban centres. The stability in the rate, combined with the low daily frequency, underscores the town’s generally secure environment, though targeted categories like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage remain areas of concern.