South Hams Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in South Hams

South Hams demonstrates a notably low overall crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 people per year, placing it well below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a robust safety score of 89 out of 100, compared to the national average of 78, the area is considered very safe. However, the latest figures indicate an increasing trend, with a 10.2% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This report provides a comprehensive overview of crime statistics in South Hams, offering detailed insights into specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with neighbouring areas to give residents and prospective movers a clear understanding of local safety.

About South Hams

South Hams is a picturesque local authority district in Devon, characterised by its stunning coastline, rural landscape, and charming market towns. Its predominantly rural and suburban nature, coupled with a population of 92,148, often contributes to a lower overall crime rate compared to more densely populated urban centres. The area's appeal as a tourist destination, particularly during peak seasons, can influence certain crime statistics, such as 'other theft' and 'criminal damage', although generally, the tranquil environment fosters a strong sense of community and security. The presence of numerous small communities and fewer major transport hubs or extensive nightlife areas also plays a role in maintaining its comparatively high safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in South Hams

An analysis of crime types in South Hams reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 40.6% of all recorded crimes with 1,745 incidents (18.9 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, which represents 15.8% of crimes (681 incidents, 7.4 per 1,000), and Criminal damage and arson, making up 10.9% of the total (469 incidents, 5.1 per 1,000).

In terms of property-related crime, South Hams reports a rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses various offences, including burglary (1.8 per 1,000), other theft (3.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.0 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.1 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000), and robbery (0.1 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is not a dominant concern, remaining vigilant and implementing robust security measures, particularly against theft and criminal damage, is always advisable.

Crime Trends in South Hams

South Hams has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a 10.2% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents, the data shows fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates were relatively stable in late 2024 and early 2025, with a low of 3.2 per 1,000 in December 2024. However, a noticeable increase began in April 2025 (4.0 per 1,000), peaking significantly in July 2025 at 4.9 per 1,000, before tapering slightly to 4.1 per 1,000 in September 2025. This upward trajectory indicates a need for residents to be aware of evolving local crime patterns and consider preventive measures, even in an area with a strong safety record.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, South Hams can be compared to several neighbouring areas. With an overall crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 and a safety score of 89/100, South Hams generally maintains a more favourable position than larger urban centres like Plymouth and Exeter, which typically experience higher crime rates due to their population density and diverse activities. Similarly, when compared to Torbay, South Hams generally presents a safer environment. Areas such as Teignbridge, West Devon, and Mid Devon, which share some demographic and geographic similarities, offer a more comparable context. While each area has its unique crime profile, South Hams consistently stands out for its lower crime rates and higher safety score within the wider Devon region, offering a relatively secure living environment.

Protecting Your Property in South Hams

Given South Hams' property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents, proactive home security is a sensible consideration. While traditional security measures like CCTV cameras can record incidents, they often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. For genuine peace of mind and prevention, consider an AI-powered system like scOS.

Rather than simply recording, scOS offers proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they gain entry. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots, and can even catch fake vehicle plates instantly with DVLA verification. By learning your family's routines and distinguishing real threats from everyday activity, scOS minimises false alarms. When a genuine threat is detected, its autonomous response—activating lights and engaging speakers—destroys the element of surprise, making burglars decide within 60 seconds to move on. Professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, offering a significant deterrent compared to reactive DIY systems.