South Molton Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate South Molton’s crime profile in September 2025, accounting for nearly half (48.6%) of all reported crimes. With an overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents—23% below the UK average of 7.4—this built-up area within North Devon shows a marked contrast to national trends. The sharp focus on violent crime, including 17 incidents, suggests a pattern that diverges from the typical property crime emphasis seen in many UK towns. This aligns with South Molton’s character as a small market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where interpersonal conflicts may be more pronounced during the transition from summer to autumn. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as September marks the return of students to nearby universities and the start of the academic year, potentially increasing social interactions in town centres and pubs. While property crime remains a concern, the rate of 0.5 per 1,000 (13 incidents) is significantly lower than the UK average for similar categories. The town’s relatively low population density and community-oriented layout may contribute to this, though the high proportion of violent crime—particularly the 200% increase in robbery compared to the UK average—raises questions about local dynamics. The absence of major retail hubs or nightlife areas suggests that violent incidents may stem from domestic disputes or small-scale conflicts rather than organized crime. This profile underscores the need for targeted community engagement strategies to address the root causes of violence while maintaining the town’s overall safety record.

September 2025 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and robbery doubling from 0 to 2. These increases, though small in absolute terms, highlight vulnerabilities in local vehicle security and personal safety. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by two-thirds (from 12 to 4), likely reflecting the return of students to university campuses, where such incidents are often concentrated. The town’s performance against UK averages reveals stark contrasts: robbery rates are 200% higher than the national average, while anti-social behaviour is 40% below. This divergence underscores the importance of local context—South Molton’s smaller population and community structure may amplify certain crimes while mitigating others. For residents, the 200% spike in robbery, though not statistically significant in isolation, warrants awareness of personal security measures. Meanwhile, the 79% increase in burglary compared to the UK average (3 incidents at 0.5 per 1,000) suggests targeted vulnerabilities in residential properties, potentially linked to seasonal changes in occupancy patterns. These findings illustrate the combination of national trends and local conditions, requiring tailored policing approaches.

South Molton’s crime rate in September 2025 (5.7 per 1,000) represents a 25.6% decline from August’s 7.7 per 1,000, marking a significant improvement in safety metrics. On a daily basis, the town recorded roughly 1 crime per day over the month, a figure that, while low, includes notable spikes in violent incidents. Monthly exposure calculations reveal that over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 175 residents—a rate that, when contextualized with the town’s population of 6,136, highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in this built-up area. This monthly aggregate, however, masks the uneven distribution of crime types, with violent offences affecting the local profile. Compared to the UK average, South Molton’s residents experience a 23% lower overall crime rate, yet face higher-than-average risks in specific categories. The 200% increase in robbery compared to the national average, for instance, indicates a unique challenge for local law enforcement. These figures, when paired with the town’s population scale, suggest that while South Molton is generally safer than the UK average, targeted interventions may be necessary to address the disproportionate rise in certain violent crimes.