South Molton Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton's crime profile in July 2025 reveals a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating at 61.4% of the total 44 reported incidents. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where violent crimes account for 45% of the total. The area's overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents places it 16.3% below the national average, a position that may be influenced by its character as a small built-up area within North Devon. The dominance of violent crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences (27 incidents, 4.4 per 1,000), suggests a combination of seasonal factors and local conditions. July, a peak summer month marked by festivals and extended daylight hours, likely contributes to increased social interactions in public spaces, which may partly explain the 45% increase in violent crimes compared to the UK average. Meanwhile, property crimes—such as burglary (1 incident) and shoplifting (2 incidents)—remain well below national rates, reflecting the area's lower population density and the absence of high-footfall retail hubs that typically drive such offences. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (4 incidents, 0.7 per 1,000), 55% below the UK average, could indicate effective community policing or a cultural emphasis on neighbourly conduct. However, the sharp rise in public order offences (6 incidents, 1.0 per 1,000) and the 56% increase in this category compared to the UK average suggest challenges in managing crowds during summer events. This crime mix illustrates a community grappling with the dual pressures of increased social activity and the need to maintain public order, while still benefiting from a generally low crime environment. The data underscores the importance of aligning local resources with the seasonal demands of July, ensuring that measures to address violent and public order crimes are proportionate to the area's unique character as a small town with a strong seasonal tourism component.

July 2025 saw a 35% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 20 to 27 incidents—a category that now constitutes 61.4% of all crimes, significantly above the UK average of 3.0 per 1,000. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in public order offences (from 3 to 6), suggests a shift in crime dynamics during peak summer activity. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 60% (from 5 to 2), aligning with the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour. (7 to 4), remains 55% below the UK average, potentially reflecting community engagement or local initiatives. For residents, the 1-in-139 monthly exposure rate offers a tangible perspective on the low likelihood of encountering crime in this area, though the disproportionate rise in violent incidents highlights the need for targeted measures during high-traffic periods.

South Molton's crime rate in July 2025 (7.2 per 1,000) marks a 10.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This downward trend suggests a possible seasonal shift, with crime activity aligning with local rhythms such as the conclusion of summer festivals or reduced foot traffic during peak holidays. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1.4 crimes per day in July, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 6,136 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 139 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This statistic, when considered alongside the 16.3% gap below the UK average, highlights South Molton's position as a safer built-up area within North Devon, though the sharp rise in violent crimes deserves closer attention to local factors such as increased social events or temporary population shifts during the summer months.