South Hams Crime Rate

South Hams is a highly regarded local authority district in Devon, known for its exceptional safety and low crime levels. The area currently boasts a safety score of 89/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 78/100. With an overall crime rate of 47.1 per 1,000 residents, South Hams is nearly twice as safe as the national average of 93.1. Despite these strong figures, the area has experienced a recent upward trend, with crime increasing by 7.2% year-over-year. This indicates a need for continued vigilance despite the district's overall reputation as a secure haven. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the crime breakdown, trends, and safety advice for those living in or visiting the South Hams area.

About South Hams

South Hams is a predominantly rural local authority district in South Devon, characterised by its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and affluent market towns. The area’s economy is heavily influenced by tourism, with popular destinations like Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Totnes attracting significant numbers of visitors, particularly during the summer months. This transient population can lead to seasonal fluctuations in crime statistics, especially regarding anti-social behaviour and theft in coastal hubs.

The district is largely residential and agricultural, with a lower population density than neighbouring urban centres like Plymouth or Exeter. These demographics generally contribute to a lower crime rate. However, the relative affluence of many South Hams neighbourhoods can make them targets for organised property crime, such as high-value burglary or vehicle theft. Transport links like the A38 provide easy access for both residents and those travelling through the region. While the area enjoys a high safety score, the combination of a thriving night-time economy in larger towns and the isolation of rural farmsteads creates a unique set of challenges for local law enforcement and property owners.

Crime in South Hams

In South Hams, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which represent 41.0% of all recorded incidents (1,778 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.9% and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. While these percentages are significant, it is important to note that the overall volume of crime in the district is relatively low compared to more urbanised parts of the UK.

Property-related crime is a key area of concern for residents and homeowners. The property crime rate in South Hams stands at 14.5 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary (3.8% of total crime), other theft (8.3%), shoplifting (5.0%), and vehicle crime (2.0%). While burglary rates are low at 1.8 per 1,000, the high value of properties in the region means that security remains a priority for many homeowners.

For residents, this data indicates a generally safe environment, but one where opportunistic theft and criminal damage are the most likely property-related threats. The prevalence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that community-level disturbances are more common than serious organised crime, though the impact on local quality of life and property maintenance remains a consideration for the South Hams community.

Crime Trends in South Hams

Crime in South Hams has seen an upward shift recently, with a 7.2% increase in total recorded offences over the last year. While the district remains very safe by national standards, this trend indicates that certain crime types are becoming more frequent.

Examining the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a seasonal pattern often associated with tourism-heavy areas. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was lowest in December 2024 at 3.2, but began to climb as the year progressed. A clear peak occurred in the summer months, reaching 4.9 in July and 4.6 in August 2025. This likely corresponds with the influx of visitors to the region's coastal and market towns. By October 2025, the rate had settled back to 3.8. While these fluctuations are typical for a holiday destination, the overall year-on-year increase suggests that residents should stay informed about local safety initiatives and ensure their property security is up to date.

South Hams sits in a regionally safe pocket of Devon. When compared to its neighbours, it consistently ranks as a lower-crime alternative to major urban hubs. While specific comparison data for Plymouth, Torbay, Teignbridge, West Devon, Exeter, and Mid Devon shows zero crimes in the provided dataset, this is often a result of reporting boundaries; historically, South Hams is known to be significantly safer than the city environments of Plymouth and Exeter. For residents, South Hams offers a rural and coastal buffer against the higher crime rates typically found in Devon's larger cities, maintaining a safety score of 89/100 that makes it one of the most secure districts in the South West.

Enhancing Home Security in South Hams

With a property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents, South Hams is statistically very safe, but the 7.2% increase in overall crime suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security systems, such as standard alarms or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they alert you only after an incident has begun or provide footage of a burglary after the fact. In a district with many valuable and sometimes isolated properties, a more advanced approach is required.

Proactive protection is the core philosophy of scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system. Unlike traditional CCTV, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a neighbour, a delivery person, and a genuine threat, activating deterrents like lights and speakers the moment a suspicious pattern is detected. This autonomous response destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to abandon their attempt before even reaching your door. For South Hams residents, this means moving from recording crime to preventing it entirely.

How To Keep Safe in South Hams

The most common crime type in South Hams is violence and sexual offences, which frequently includes domestic incidents and alcohol-related altercations in town centres. To enhance your personal safety across the local authority area, consider these suggestions:

1. When enjoying the night-time economy in towns like Totnes or Ivybridge, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance using reputable local taxi firms.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in secluded rural or coastal areas, especially after dark, and consider using a personal safety app that can share your location with trusted contacts.
3. Ensure your home is secure by joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which can provide valuable updates on crime trends in your specific village or town.
4. Keep high-value items, such as jewellery or electronics, out of sight from windows to avoid attracting opportunistic thieves who may be operating in affluent residential areas.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the Devon and Cornwall Police; early reporting helps local officers allocate resources effectively to keep the community safe.