South Molton Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton’s crime rate in August 2025 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This small built-up area within North Devon, known for its historic market town character and seasonal tourism, saw a distinct shift in crime patterns this month. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 46.8% of all reported crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. This category alone contributed to 22 incidents, an 18.5% decrease from July’s 27 cases. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 25.5% of the total, with a staggering 200% increase from the previous month. This surge aligns with August’s role as a peak holiday period, when transient populations and increased public activity may strain local resources. The town’s relatively low property crime rate—just 10 incidents compared to 22 violent crimes—suggests a focus on personal safety rather than theft in this area. Seasonal factors likely play a role: empty homes during August, when many residents travel, may heighten burglary risks, though no such cases were reported this month. Conversely, criminal damage and arson, which fell 49% below the UK average, saw a 100% increase from zero to two incidents, linked to unoccupied properties or outdoor events. The data reflects a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the town’s role as a destination for both residents and visitors.

August 2025 marked a dramatic 200% rise in anti-social behaviour, with incidents jumping from four to twelve. This surge, the most significant month-on-month change, may be attributed to the influx of holidaymakers and the associated strain on local infrastructure. Simultaneously, violence and sexual offences decreased by 18.5%, from 27 to 22 cases, a shift that could reflect heightened police presence or seasonal changes in community activity. Bicycle theft—a category typically linked to student populations—rose 100% to one incident. By contrast, public order offences dropped 66.7%, from six to two, due to fewer large gatherings or improved crowd management. The town’s crime profile also reveals stark contrasts with UK averages: violence and sexual offences are 25% above the national rate, while criminal damage and arson are 49% below. This divergence suggests that South Molton’s unique mix of tourism, small-town dynamics, and seasonal fluctuations shapes its crime profile differently than larger urban centres. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour, which may require community engagement strategies to address during peak tourist months.

South Molton’s crime rate in August 2025 rose 6.8% from July’s 7.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend despite remaining 4.9% below the UK average. This increase translates to roughly two crimes per day in the town, a figure that may seem high for a small community but is consistent with its seasonal profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while manageable, highlights the impact of transient populations during August. Compared to the previous month, the shift in crime mix—from a higher proportion of property crimes to a dominance of violent and anti-social incidents—suggests a change in local dynamics. The town’s population of 6,136 means that each resident faces a 0.77% chance of being directly involved in a crime this month, a rate that remains below the UK average but warrants attention. Daily crime context shows that South Molton’s 47 total crimes are spread across 31 days, with no single day exceeding three incidents. This distribution contrasts with larger urban areas, where crime often clusters in specific times or locations. The comparison also reveals that while violent crimes are above the UK average, other categories like burglary and vehicle crime are below, indicating that South Molton’s crime profile is shaped by its specific socio-economic and geographical context.