Crime Statistics

South Molton Crime Rate

+32.6%year-over-year

Crime is increasing and LOW in South Molton

South Molton reports a crime rate of 67.0 per 1,000, safer than the UK average, despite an increasing trend. Safety score: 83/100.

Overall Crime Rate

67.0
Crimes per 1,000 people
increasing trend

Property Crime Rate

18.3
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How South Molton Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:67.0vs 93.4 UK avg
-26.4 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:18.3vs 33.2 UK avg
-14.9 per 1,000 people

South Molton's crime rate is significantly lower than UK average

Based on population of 6,136 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for South Molton

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in South Molton
Overall Crime Rate67 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate18.3 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score83 out of 100
Population6,136
Trendincreasing
Comparisonsignificantly lower than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in South Molton
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences18830.646%
Anti-social behaviour6410.416%
Criminal damage and arson396.49%
Public order294.77%
Other theft243.96%
Burglary162.64%
Vehicle crime1223%
Shoplifting1223%
Other crime71.12%
Possession of weapons71.12%
Robbery50.81%
Drugs40.71%
Theft from the person20.30%
Bicycle theft20.30%

Introduction to Crime in South Molton

South Molton, an urban settlement within North Devon, records an overall crime rate of 67.0 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions South Molton as safer than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a safety score of 83 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. However, recent data indicates a significant increasing trend in crime, with a 32.6% rise observed year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview of South Molton's current crime statistics, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of crime types and trends within the area.

South Molton Safety Score

83
Safe
Safety Score out of 100

South Molton has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (78).

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in South Molton

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:46%
Per 1,000:30.6
Total:188
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:16%
Per 1,000:10.4
Total:64
#3

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:9%
Per 1,000:6.4
Total:39
#4

Public order

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:4.7
Total:29
#5

Other theft

Percentage:6%
Per 1,000:3.9
Total:24

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

Protect Against These Threats

Crime Type Analysis in South Molton

In South Molton, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 45.7% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 30.6 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 15.6% of offences (10.4 per 1000), followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.5% (6.4 per 1000). Property-related crime is a concern for residents, with an overall rate of 18.3 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average. This category includes other theft (3.9 per 1,000), burglary (2.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.0 per 1,000), and shoplifting (2.0 per 1,000). The high proportion of violence and sexual offences, alongside anti-social behaviour, suggests a need for community-focused crime prevention. For homeowners, the property crime rate, while below the national average, still highlights the importance of implementing effective security measures to protect against theft, criminal damage, and burglary.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
188 incidents (30.6 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
64 incidents (10.4 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
39 incidents (6.4 per 1,000)
Public order
29 incidents (4.7 per 1,000)
Other theft
24 incidents (3.9 per 1,000)
Burglary
16 incidents (2.6 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
12 incidents (2 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
12 incidents (2 per 1,000)
Other crime
7 incidents (1.1 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
7 incidents (1.1 per 1,000)
Robbery
5 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Drugs
4 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
2 incidents (0.3 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
2 incidents (0.3 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↑ 23.9% change(over 12 months)
South Molton
UK Average

Compare South Molton with similar populations

South Molton has a 28.3% lower crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in South Molton

South Molton has experienced a significant increasing crime trend, with a substantial 32.6% rise in total crimes over the past year. Monthly crime rates, expressed per 1,000 residents, show a fluctuating yet upward trajectory. Rates began at 4.6 in October 2024, dipping slightly in winter before climbing through spring and summer. Notable peaks were observed in June (8.0), July (7.2), and August (7.7) 2025, suggesting a seasonal influence potentially linked to increased activity during warmer months. The rate concluded at 5.7 in September 2025. This pronounced upward trend indicates a dynamic and evolving crime environment in South Molton, prompting residents to remain vigilant and review their personal and property security arrangements.

When Do Crimes Happen in South Molton?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on South Molton's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in South Molton?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft42%
Other35%
Burglary12%
Vehicle Crime10%
Violence0%

Morning hours show elevated theft, burglary, and vehicle crime, impacting businesses and commuters.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft44%
Other33%
Burglary19%
Vehicle Crime3%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees significant theft and burglary, possibly linked to peak shopping hours and unattended properties.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other57%
Theft18%
Burglary17%
Vehicle Crime9%
Violence0%

Evening hours are dominated by 'other' crimes, with notable burglary and theft also occurring.

Night

12am - 6am

Other41%
Vehicle Crime27%
Burglary23%
Theft10%
Violence0%

Night-time indicates increased burglary, vehicle crime, and other offences when streets are quieter.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by South Molton's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in South Molton, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time Patterns of Crime in South Molton

Crime in South Molton reveals distinct temporal patterns. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily marked by theft (42%), with burglary (12%) and vehicle crime (10%) also present, suggesting activity around commercial openings and commuter movements. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) also sees significant theft (44%), with burglary rising to 19%, possibly linked to peak shopping hours and unattended properties. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become dominant (57%), while theft reduces to 18% and burglary remains notable at 17%. This shift suggests a change in the nature of offences, potentially involving more social or public order issues. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a rise in burglary (23%), vehicle crime (27%), and 'other' crimes (41%), often occurring when properties are unattended and streets are quieter. Understanding these patterns can help residents and authorities target preventative measures more effectively.

Crime Rates Near North Devon

Exeter

25.0 miles

114.5
per 1,000
High Risk

Mid Devon

14.8 miles

62.9
per 1,000
Low Risk

Teignbridge

29.3 miles

61.4
per 1,000
Low Risk

Torridge

18.4 miles

56.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

West Devon

26.0 miles

44.5
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Somerset

23.7 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Hill

1.6 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

North Molton

2.9 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

East Buckland

4.5 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Swimbridge

6.4 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Police Response Times in South Molton

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

17 minActual
Actual
17 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
2 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

39 minActual
Actual
39 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
21 min faster than target

Active Officers

3,618

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does South Molton Compare?

Beck Row

34.7
crimes per 1,000 people
48.2% safer than South Molton

Stainforth

187.7
crimes per 1,000 people
180.1% higher than South Molton

Culcheth

42.6
crimes per 1,000 people
36.4% safer than South Molton

Borough Green

53.2
crimes per 1,000 people
20.6% safer than South Molton

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

South Molton's crime rate of 67.0 per 1,000 can be contextualised by comparing it with nearby areas such as Hill, North Molton, East Buckland, and Swimbridge. South Molton, as a market town, typically has a higher crime rate than these smaller, more rural surrounding settlements. Hill, North Molton, East Buckland, and Swimbridge often exhibit lower crime figures due to their smaller populations and more tranquil environments. This comparison helps to illustrate South Molton's position as a local hub, where increased activity and population density naturally lead to a different crime profile compared to its immediate, more dispersed neighbours.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

Sees Everything At Once

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Property line intervention

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Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
  • •Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • •Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • •They turn away before you even know

What used to be impossible is now effortless.

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Protecting Your Property in South Molton

With South Molton's property crime rate at 18.3 per 1,000 residents, which is below the UK average, proactive home security remains a prudent consideration. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage after a burglary, merely recording the incident rather than preventing it. For truly effective protection against property crime, a proactive approach is essential. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they gain entry. This contrasts sharply with systems that only notify you after the fact. scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, learns your routines to avoid false alarms, and can even verify vehicles instantly. This professional-grade deterrence, with features like autonomous light activation and speaker engagement, is designed to make potential burglars move on within seconds, offering a superior alternative to reactive security solutions.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for South Molton

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in South Molton. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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