Dartington Crime Rate

Dartington is a highly secure urban settlement, boasting an overall crime rate of 43.4 per 1,000 people. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting a safe environment for its 2,167 residents. The area holds an excellent safety score of 90/100, placing it well above the national average of 78/100. Crime trends in Dartington are remarkably stable, showing only a minor 2.2% change year-over-year. This consistency, paired with a low volume of reported incidents, makes Dartington one of the most reassuring places to live in the South Hams district, offering residents a high degree of peace and security.

Crime Breakdown in Dartington

The crime profile in Dartington is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.0% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, representing 25.5% of the total, followed by 'other theft' at 11.7%. These figures suggest that interpersonal issues and community disturbances are the most frequent challenges in the area.

Property-related crime—including burglary, robbery, theft, criminal damage, and vehicle crime—occurs at a rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9, indicating that Dartington is a very safe place for property owners. Within this category, other theft is the most common at 11.7%, while burglary and vehicle crime are much rarer, accounting for 3.2% and 2.1% of total crime respectively. For residents, this means that while the overall risk of property loss is minimal, the prevalence of theft and anti-social behaviour suggests that maintaining standard security measures and community vigilance remains beneficial for long-term peace of mind.

Crime Trends in Dartington

The crime trend in Dartington is currently stable, with a year-over-year increase of just 2.2%. This indicates a very consistent safety environment over the past year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained low throughout the year, typically ranging between 1.4 and 5.5. The highest rate was recorded in May 2025 at 5.5, followed by January at 5.1.

The lowest rate occurred in October 2025, dropping to 1.4 per 1,000. These fluctuations are minor and common in small urban settlements, suggesting that Dartington does not suffer from significant surges in criminal activity. For residents, this stable and low-volume trend is highly encouraging, reinforcing the area's status as a safe and reliable place to live. The lack of any sharp upward movement in crime rates over the 12-month period confirms that existing community and policing measures are effectively maintaining the town's high safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Dartington

The most frequent crime type in Dartington is violence and sexual offences. Although the area is statistically very safe, maintaining personal safety awareness is always a good practice. Consider these tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through unlit or isolated areas.
2. If you are out late, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services to ensure you get home safely.
3. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, and let someone know your plans if you are going out.
4. If you feel uncomfortable or see suspicious behaviour, move to a public, well-lit place and report your concerns to the local police.
5. Engage with the local community and neighbourhood watch groups to stay informed about any safety issues and help keep Dartington a secure place for everyone.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Dartington

Crime in Dartington shows distinct temporal trends, particularly concerning theft. During the morning, theft accounts for a significant 66% of reported incidents. This trend continues into the afternoon, where theft-related offences rise to 70%. These high daytime percentages suggest that the majority of crime in Dartington is opportunistic theft occurring when people are active and properties may be less attended.

As evening approaches, the pattern shifts. Between 6pm and midnight, 'other' crime types become the most common, representing 43% of reports, while theft drops to 35%. During the night-time hours (12am to 6am), 'other' crimes account for 36%, but there is a notable rise in the relative frequency of vehicle crime (27%) and burglary (17%). This indicates that while the overall volume of crime may be lower at night, the risk to vehicles and home security becomes a more prominent concern for residents during these hours.

When compared to its nearby areas, Dartington offers a very favourable safety profile. Its crime rate of 43.4 is significantly lower than the busier nearby towns of Totnes (77.4) and Buckfastleigh (68.3). While it is slightly more active than the smaller villages of Ipplepen (28.6) and Broadhempston (0.0), it remains a very safe choice for an urban settlement. For those looking for a location in this part of Devon, Dartington provides a high standard of safety while maintaining good access to local amenities, sitting comfortably as a low-crime hub within the region.

Protecting Your Property in Dartington

Dartington's property crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 people is among the lowest in the region, but the prevalence of 'other theft' and anti-social behaviour indicates that local properties still require protection. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarm systems or recording-only CCTV, are often reactive. They notify you after a break-in has occurred or provide footage of the event after the fact. In a safe area like Dartington, the goal of security should be to prevent any incident from occurring in the first place.

The scOS AI-powered security system is designed for proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats before they reach your home. If a suspicious person is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio alerts, often causing an intruder to move on within 60 seconds. This proactive approach is far more effective at preventing property crime and criminal damage, ensuring that your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest it should be.