Dartmouth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Dartmouth, within South Hams, reveal a complex picture. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 70.5 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, this figure represents an increase of 12.7% year-on-year, demonstrating a concerning trend. While Dartmouth benefits from a strong sense of community and a generally high safety score of 83 out of 100, understanding the specific types of crime and their fluctuations is crucial for ensuring the continued safety and wellbeing of residents. The monthly data shows fluctuations throughout the year, with a noticeable spike in incidents during July.

Dartmouth, a picturesque built-up area within South Hams, exhibits a nuanced crime profile. The most prevalent concerns revolve around violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42% of recorded incidents (157 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (13.1%, 49 crimes) and criminal damage and arson (9.9%, 37 crimes). Other theft, including shoplifting, contributes significantly, representing 9.6% (36 crimes) and 7.2% (27 crimes) respectively. The area's unique blend of tourism, a historic naval presence, and a relatively small population likely contribute to these figures. The close-knit community and the influx of visitors can present both opportunities and challenges for maintaining safety and security. Analysis suggests that the relatively high number of violent offences warrants further investigation into underlying causes and preventative measures.

Crime in Dartmouth has been steadily increasing, with a significant 12.7% rise year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 illustrates this upward trend, although fluctuations occur. For instance, crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 8.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably higher than the January 2025 rate of 5.3 per 1,000. While rates dipped in February, March, October, and November, the overall trajectory indicates a need for proactive measures to address the underlying factors contributing to this concerning increase.

How To Keep Safe in Dartmouth

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. To mitigate the risk of criminal damage and arson, ensure valuable items are secured and consider installing motion-activated lighting around your property. Given the risk of anti-social behaviour, participate in local community initiatives and be a good neighbour. Finally, to protect against theft, secure your belongings when out and about and be vigilant in public places.

The timing of crimes in Dartmouth reveals some interesting patterns. Burglary is most frequently reported during the night (12am-6am), accounting for 22% of incidents. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees a concentration of theft, representing 60% of those offences. Evening hours (6pm-12am) are associated with a higher incidence of theft (29%) and anti-social behaviour. Overall, the highest crime concentration occurs during the afternoon and evening hours, reflecting typical patterns of commercial activity and increased public presence.

Compared to Dartmouth, neighbouring areas such as Kingswear, Stoke Fleming, Dittisham, and Strete have reported zero recorded crimes. This stark contrast highlights Dartmouth’s relative higher crime levels within the South Hams region, suggesting factors unique to the town contribute to the increased incidence of crime. While the reasons for this disparity require further investigation, it underscores the importance of targeted safety initiatives within Dartmouth itself.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics, like the 70.5 per 1,000 recorded in Dartmouth, is one thing. Actually stopping threats at your property line is another. scOS offers a proactive approach, utilizing AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Imagine, for example, a vehicle circling your property late at night – scOS would instantly recognize it as unusual activity and alert you, potentially deterring any attempted intrusion. This is achieved through multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning that recognizes your family and routines. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds – the visible deterrence of scOS can be enough to make them move on, preventing the crime altogether. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection like scOS offers a level of security and proactive threat detection that’s simply not achievable with consumer-grade solutions.