South Molton Crime Rate

South Molton Crime Overview

South Molton has a safety score of 82/100, which is significantly better than the UK national average of 78. The overall crime rate is 69.8 per 1,000 residents per year, positioning it as safer than the national average of 93.1. However, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a significant 33.3% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory indicates that residents and businesses should be more mindful of their security. While the town experiences typical urban challenges like personal offences and anti-social behaviour, property crime rates are moderate. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, temporal patterns, and specific safety advice for those living and working in South Molton.

Crime Breakdown in South Molton

In South Molton, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 46.7% of all reports (32.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour follows at 16.1%, with criminal damage and arson representing 8.6% of the total.

The overall property crime rate in South Molton is 18.6 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. Notably, criminal damage and other theft (6.1%) make up a significant portion of the local property crime mix. Burglary (3.7%) and vehicle crime (2.8%) also contribute to property-related reports. For residents, these figures indicate that South Molton is a relatively safe place with moderate property-related offences. Most theft-related risks are concentrated in the morning and afternoon hours, while burglary and vehicle crime are more prominent at night. The high percentage of personal offences is typical for smaller towns where a low volume of other crimes makes these reports stand out. Most property-related risks are concentrated in the morning and afternoon hours.

Crime Trends in South Molton

The crime trend in South Molton is currently increasing, with a significant 33.3% rise in total offences over the last 12 months. This indicates that the town's safety profile has seen a shift, although the overall risk remains lower than the national average.

Monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 3.8 in February 2025 and a notable peak of 8.0 in June 2025. Other busier months included August (7.7) and October (7.3). This shows a slight increase in reports during the late spring and summer months, a common seasonal pattern. However, the rates remained relatively moderate throughout the year, reinforcing South Molton's reputation as a safe and stable community for its residents. Overall, the area remains a safe place with appropriate awareness.

How To Keep Safe in South Molton

The most common crime category in South Molton is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.7% of reports. While the overall volume of crime is moderate, personal safety and awareness are recommended.

1. When walking in the town centre at night, stay in well-lit areas and avoid poorly lit side streets or unlit footpaths.
2. Anti-social behaviour represents 16.1% of reports; well-lit exteriors and visible security measures can help discourage such activity near your home.
3. Criminal damage and arson account for 8.6% of local crime; use motion-activated lighting and secure fencing to discourage opportunistic vandalism around your property.
4. Vehicle crime risks increase at night (26% of night-time reports); always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area, and never leave valuables on display.
5. Join a local community watch group to stay informed about specific crime trends and share information with your neighbours to help maintain the town's safety.

Crime Timing in South Molton

Crime in South Molton follows specific temporal patterns. Morning and afternoon are the peak times for theft-related offences, which account for 41% and 44% of crimes in these periods respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur during daylight hours when the town is most active.

During the night (12am - 6am), the crime mix shifts significantly. Property-related risks become the dominant concern. Burglary reaches its highest concentration at 22% of all night-time reports, and vehicle crime accounts for 26%. Combined, these two categories make up nearly half of the crime reported in the early morning hours. This data highlights the importance of securing your home and vehicle overnight, even in a relatively safe town. Understanding these shifts can help residents decide when to be most vigilant about their property's security. Overall, South Molton remains a safe place with appropriate awareness.

Nearby Area Comparison

As a local hub, South Molton has a higher crime footprint than its surrounding rural villages. Its rate of 69.8 per 1,000 is significantly higher than nearby Hill, North Molton, East Buckland, and Swimbridge, which all report negligible crime. However, South Molton remains a safer alternative to the larger urban areas in the region, offering a quieter and more secure environment while still providing essential local services and transport links for the surrounding rural community. Overall, it remains a safe place with appropriate awareness.

Professional Security in South Molton

With a property crime rate of 18.6 per 1,000 residents, South Molton homeowners should focus on preventative security measures. While burglary is relatively low, criminal damage and theft account for a significant portion of property-related reports. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, recording a crime only after it has been committed, which may not prevent vandalism or loss.

scOS provides a proactive solution using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies genuine threats and distinguishes them from routine activities. If a threat is detected—such as someone loitering near your property at night or attempting to damage exterior fixtures—scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting and audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a criminal before they act, providing a level of professional protection that is much more effective than traditional recording-only systems for residents in South Molton.