South Hams Crime Rate

South Hams stands out as one of the UK's safest areas, with a crime rate 48% below the national average. However, a sharp 53.3% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons highlights a concerning trend. The area's safety score of 89/100, combined with its property crime rate 54% below the UK average, underscores its appeal for residents seeking low-crime living.

South Hams is a diverse area encompassing coastal towns like Totnes and Dartmouth, alongside rural villages and historic market towns. Its mix of urban and rural characteristics influences crime patterns: tourist hubs like Totnes experience higher foot traffic, which may contribute to public order offences, while rural areas like Wembury and Newton Ferrers benefit from lower population density and less commercial activity. The area's strong community networks and low population density likely contribute to its overall safety, though the sharp rise in possession of weapons suggests a need for targeted local interventions.

South Hams's most surprising finding is the 53.3% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, despite remaining 44% below the UK average. This could reflect heightened awareness or reporting in specific communities, though the data does not specify locations. Violence and sexual offences, at 19.9 per 1,000, are 38% below the UK average but rising by 11% YoY, likely due to seasonal factors such as increased social activity in summer. Shoplifting, up 24% YoY, may be linked to tourist activity in coastal towns, though South Hams's rate remains 69% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 7.0 per 1,000, is 53% below the UK average, suggesting effective local community engagement strategies.

Crime in South Hams has remained stable, increasing by 2.4% year-on-year. The most notable change is the 53.3% rise in possession of weapons, a sharp increase that remains 44% below the UK average. This may reflect heightened awareness or seasonal factors such as increased social activity during warmer months. Shoplifting has risen by 24% YoY, likely linked to tourism in coastal towns, though South Hams's rate remains 69% below the UK average. In contrast, anti-social behaviour has decreased by 6.3% YoY, suggesting effective local initiatives. The monthly trend shows a peak in July (4.9 per 1,000) and a trough in December (3.2 per 1,000), likely influenced by seasonal tourism and outdoor activity patterns.

Compared to nearby areas, South Hams is significantly safer. Plymouth and Exeter have crime rates 131% and 140% higher, respectively, due to their larger urban populations. West Devon, the closest comparator, has a 3% lower crime rate, likely due to similar rural characteristics. Totnes, however, has a 52% higher rate, reflecting its role as a tourist and commercial hub.

In South Hams, where crime rates are 48% below the UK average, proactive security measures can further enhance safety, scOS offers AI-driven boundary detection to identify threats before break-ins occur, particularly useful for securing homes against burglary, which occurs at 1.6 per 1,000. Its ability to distinguish between regular visitors and potential intruders reduces false alarms, aligning with South Hams's low crime profile. For vehicle crime, which is 80% below the UK average, scOS's DVLA verification feature provides an added layer of deterrence for properties in areas with higher commuter traffic.

How To Keep Safe in South Hams

South Hams's low crime rate means most residents face minimal risk, but targeted precautions can further reduce exposure. For vehicle crime, which has declined by 27.2% YoY, park in well-lit areas near home and use scOS's DVLA verification to flag suspicious vehicles. For property security, install motion sensors in rural areas where burglary rates are 52% below the UK average. To address the rising 53.3% YoY increase in possession of weapons, report suspicious activity through the 101 non-emergency number, though this remains 44% below the UK average. In tourist areas like Totnes, secure valuables in lockable storage to mitigate the 24% YoY rise in shoplifting.