South Molton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, South Molton's crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents placed it 31.2% below the UK average, reinforcing its status as one of the safer built-up areas in North Devon. This rate translates to a per-capita risk where one in every 227 residents experienced a reported crime during the month, a figure that remains exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 40.7% of all incidents, though this rate is 22% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. The area's unique profile is further illustrated by vehicle crime, which is 129% above the UK average but represents only 18.5% of total incidents. Seasonal factors likely contributed to this pattern, as the winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity but increased vehicle-related crime due to lower visibility and higher reliance on cars for transport. The pre-spring lull in February may have also dampened other crime types, though the 100% increase in vehicle crime suggests specific local vulnerabilities that require targeted attention. These statistics illustrate that while South Molton's overall safety is commendable, certain categories—particularly vehicle crime—demand focused policing efforts to address emerging risks.

February saw a dramatic 100% increase in vehicle crime, with five incidents reported compared to zero in January. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as colder weather often increases vehicle-related offences such as theft and vandalism. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, from four incidents to one, likely reflecting reduced outdoor activity during winter. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 40.7% of all crimes, but this rate is 22% below the UK average. Vehicle crime in South Molton is 129% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, highlighting a specific local risk. Residents may find the 100% increase in 'other crime' particularly relevant, as this category includes offences like anti-social behaviour that could impact daily life. The sharp contrast between vehicle crime's UK comparison and the lower rates for violence illustrates the area's unique crime profile.

South Molton's crime rate in February 2026 rose slightly to 4.4 per 1,000 residents from 4.2 per 1,000 in January, marking a 3.8% increase. This small upward trend contrasts with the area's consistent position well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 227 residents, a figure that contextualises the low frequency of incidents for local residents. Daily crime statistics show an average of one crime per day across the 28-day period, a rate that remains markedly lower than many comparable towns. When scaled to the population of 6,136, this translates to a 1-in-227 chance of being directly affected by crime in February. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that, even with the slight monthly increase, South Molton remains significantly safer than the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be closer to 1-in-150. This comparison underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies in maintaining low crime levels despite the winter season's typical challenges.