South Molton Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated South Molton's crime profile in September 2024, accounting for 51.7% of all reported incidents. At 4.7 per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate remains 39% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend for this built-up area within North Devon. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the transition into shorter evenings—likely contributes to the prominence of violent crimes. With 15 incidents recorded, this category is 8% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stands at 2.6 per 1,000. The area's low property crime rate—only 6 incidents compared to 15 violent crimes—suggests a distinct crime profile shaped by local demographics and geography. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, is 40% below the UK average, reflecting the community's relatively low levels of disruptive activity. The presence of a small built-up area with limited retail density may explain the 56% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average. Meanwhile, the sharp rise in 'other crime'—which includes incidents not clearly categorised—demonstrates the need for further analysis. The local context of a town with a mix of residential and small-scale commercial activity likely influences these patterns, with the academic calendar and seasonal changes playing a significant role in crime dynamics.

September saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing 100% increases: 'other crime', 'public order', and 'criminal damage and arson'. This contrasts with a 20% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell from five to four incidents. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—accounting for 51.7% of all reported crimes—stands out, with this category 8% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The sharp rise in 'other crime' is particularly striking, doubling from one to two incidents. This category's 76% above UK average rate suggests unique local dynamics. Residents may find the 56% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000 noteworthy, reflecting the area's retail environment. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted, with violent crime comprising 51.7% of the total, compared to 21.7% for property crimes.

South Molton's crime rate in September 2024 rose 31.8% compared to August's 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a shift in local patterns. At 4.7 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 39% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting its relatively low crime profile. Daily crime figures show one incident per day on average, a statistic that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a small built-up area. Over the course of the month, 1 in 212 residents experienced a reported crime, a measure that underscores the low frequency of incidents in this community. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to larger urban centres, where such ratios are significantly higher. The population-scaled perspective reveals that South Molton's crime profile, while showing a month-on-month increase, still aligns with its historical trend of maintaining a crime rate well below national averages.