South Molton Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, 35.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked a continued trend of lower crime density compared to the national picture. month-on-month increase from April’s rate of 4.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 51.5% of all reported incidents — a share that, while significant, was 1% below the UK average for this category. The rise in criminal damage and arson, which surged by 400% to 5 incidents, contrasted with declines in shoplifting and other theft, illustrating a shifting crime mix. These patterns may be influenced by May’s seasonal dynamics, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which could contribute to higher incidents of violence and property damage. The area’s lower overall crime rate compared to the UK suggests a combination of geographic and demographic factors, such as its status as a smaller built-up area within North Devon, where community cohesion and lower population density may temper crime trends. However, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about local enforcement priorities and the need for targeted interventions in this category.

May 2024 saw a 400% surge in criminal damage and arson, jumping from 1 to 5 incidents — the most significant increase in the month. This rise contrasts with a 50% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 2 to 1, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in retail activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, contributing 51.5% of all crimes, though their rate (2.8 per 1,000) was 1% below the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour was 66% below the national average, a figure that may partly explain the area’s overall lower crime rate. For residents, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson offers a concrete data point to consider when assessing local safety trends.

South Molton's crime rate in May 2024 rose 22.3% from the previous month, climbing to 5.4 per 1,000 residents from 4.4 per 1,000. This increase, while notable, remains well below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported every 31 days — a local figure that reflects the small population of 6,136. Over the course of May, this translated to one reported crime for roughly every 186 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure in human terms. When viewed against the broader UK landscape, South Molton’s overall rate remains 35.7% lower than the national average, highlighting a persistent trend of lower crime density in this North Devon area. The population-scaled perspective underscores that even with the month-on-month rise, the area’s crime burden remains proportionally light compared to larger urban centres.