South Molton Crime Rate June 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Molton's crime rate in June 2025 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, 1.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This slight edge over the national figure masks a mixed picture of crime types, with violent crimes (20 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (7 incidents) dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.8% of all crimes, a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This dominance of violent crime may reflect the area's character as a small built-up area within North Devon, where social interactions are more concentrated and community policing efforts may be stretched. Seasonal factors also played a role: as June marks the start of summer, the influx of tourists and longer daylight hours could have contributed to the 400% surge in shoplifting. However, anti-social behaviour fell 23% below the UK average, due to local initiatives or the absence of major events that typically drive such incidents. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted, with property crimes (16 incidents) accounting for 32.7% of total reports, a proportion lower than the UK average but consistent with the area's relatively low overall crime rate. These patterns suggest that while South Molton is generally safer than the UK average, its small population and rural context mean that individual incidents can have a more pronounced impact on local perceptions of safety.

June saw a 400% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 5 incidents, a stark shift that may partly explain the overall rate's rise. This spike aligns with the start of summer, when retail activity in small towns like South Molton often intensifies. Meanwhile, violent crimes remained 15% above the UK average, with 20 incidents reported—double the national benchmark for this category. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped 23% compared to the UK average, a trend that could reflect local efforts in community engagement or seasonal changes in social behaviour. Vehicle crime rose 100% to 1 incident, a figure that, while low, may signal vulnerabilities in parking areas during the busier summer months. These shifts highlight the combination of local demographics and seasonal crime patterns.

South Molton's crime rate in June 2025 rose 25.6% compared to the previous month, moving from 6.4 to 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects seasonal shifts typical of summer months in rural areas where tourism begins to pick up. Locally, the average resident faced a 1-in-125 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the month, a figure that contextualises the rate within the community's size. Daily crime counts averaged 2 incidents per day, a statistic that highlights the intermittent nature of crime in a small built-up area. While this rate remains 1.2% below the UK average, the localised patterns—such as the sharp rise in shoplifting and violence—suggest unique dynamics at play. The population context further underscores that even with a relatively low overall rate, specific crime types can affect daily life, particularly in areas with limited police presence or resource allocation.