South Molton Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton’s crime rate for January 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, 37.8% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This lower-than-average rate is driven by a combination of factors, including the area’s character as a relatively small built-up area within North Devon, where population density and local dynamics may influence crime patterns. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour and burglary, each contributing 10.7% of the total. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, the distribution of specific crime types reveals a mixed picture. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.3 per 1,000, are 12% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively safer environment in this category. However, burglary in South Molton is 39% above the UK average, a disparity that may be linked to local factors such as the layout of properties or the nature of the built-up area. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—may contribute to the lower volume of outdoor crimes typically observed during this time. Nevertheless, the spike in property-related offences like burglary and bicycle theft highlights areas where residents may need to take additional precautions. These trends are consistent with the broader pattern of lower overall crime rates but higher concentrations in specific categories, which may reflect the unique characteristics of South Molton compared to larger urban centres.

January 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with other theft rising by 200% to three incidents, burglary doubling to three cases, and bicycle theft doubling from zero to one. These jumps contrast with a 12.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 16 to 14 cases. The shift in crime mix reveals a growing emphasis on property-related offences, particularly burglary, which is 39% above the UK average. Bicycle theft, at 233% above the UK average, underscores a localised issue that may be linked to increased cycling activity or vulnerabilities in securing bicycles in the area. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson saw significant declines, with the latter dropping by two-thirds. Residents should be vigilant about securing property, especially in light of the spike in burglary and bicycle theft, which could indicate seasonal patterns or changes in local activity.

South Molton's crime rate remained stable at 4.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, matching the same rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no immediate upward or downward trend in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one reported crime per day over the month, a figure that reflects the low volume of incidents in this built-up area of North Devon. When viewed through the lens of population, this translates to one crime occurring for every 219 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals a mixed picture. For instance, burglary rates in South Molton are 39% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability that may warrant closer attention from local authorities. Conversely, categories like violence and sexual offences are 12% below the UK average, indicating a relatively safer environment in those areas. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while the overall rate is low, targeted concerns remain in certain crime categories.