South Molton Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 42.9% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This performance is notable given the area's status as a built-up zone within North Devon, where crime patterns often reflect the characteristics of small towns with limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 44.4% of all incidents, followed by 'Other crime' at 14.8% and anti-social behaviour at 11.1%. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition into spring—may have influenced these patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to the higher prevalence of violent crime. However, the UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.6 per 1,000, meaning South Molton's rate of 2.0 per 1,000 is 22% below that benchmark. This suggests that while the area experiences a significant share of violent crime, its overall rate remains lower than the national average. The relatively low crime rates in South Molton compared to the UK may be attributed to its rural-adjacent character, with fewer opportunities for property crime and a more tightly knit community structure that could deter certain types of offences.

April 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in 'Other crime' incidents, rising from one to four. This category, which includes unclassified crimes, is 337% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Meanwhile, burglary incidents plummeted by 87.5%, from eight to one, marking the largest single-month decline in this category since data collection began. The surge in 'Other crime' contrasts sharply with the 50% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from two to one. Residents may find the 100% increase in 'Possession of weapons' incidents, from zero to two, particularly noteworthy. These shifts suggest a combination of factors, including the Easter holiday period and increased outdoor activity during spring. The violent crime category, which includes sexual offences, remained the most prevalent, accounting for 44.4% of all crimes.0 per 1,000 is 22% below the UK average for this category.

South Molton's crime rate in April 2024 fell to 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a 3.5% decrease from the previous month's 4.6. This decline aligns with the area's historically low crime profile, which has consistently placed it well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 227 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in human terms. Daily crime counts averaged one incident per day, a statistic that reflects the sparse nature of reported incidents in this built-up area of North Devon. The population-scaled perspective shows that South Molton's residents face a crime risk significantly lower than the national average, with the town's 6,136 residents experiencing only 27 reported crimes. This pattern is consistent with the area's character as a relatively small, rural-adjacent community with limited urban infrastructure, which may contribute to its lower crime rates compared to larger urban centres.