Dartmouth Crime Rate

Dartmouth's crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000 residents is 23% below the UK average, reflecting its status as one of the safer areas in the country. Despite a 10.1% year-on-year increase in overall crime, the town's safety score of 83/100 remains 4 points above the UK average. The most notable finding is the 23% elevation in 'Other crime' compared to national rates, a category that may include transient activity linked to the town's seasonal tourism. This contrast with consistently low burglary and anti-social behaviour rates highlights Dartmouth's unique crime profile.

Dartmouth is a historic coastal town in South Hams, known for its picturesque harbour, maritime heritage, and mix of residential and tourist activity. Its compact built-up area combines traditional housing with modern amenities, attracting both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. The town's proximity to the sea and reliance on tourism may influence crime patterns, particularly in retail and public spaces. However, its smaller population and strong community networks likely contribute to its relatively low overall crime rate compared to larger urban centres.

The most surprising finding in Dartmouth's crime data is the 23% elevation in 'Other crime' compared to the UK average (2.5 vs 2.0 per 1,000). While this category is broad, it may reflect transient activity linked to the town's seasonal tourism. Anti-social behaviour remains significantly below the UK average (8.7 vs 14.7 per 1,000), likely due to the town's tight-knit community and limited commercial density. Violence and sexual offences, though rising by 21% YoY, remain 7% below the UK average, possibly because of the area's lower population density and strong social cohesion. The sharp increase in 'Other crime' (+85.7% YoY) contrasts with the decline in anti-social behaviour (-43.2% YoY), suggesting shifting patterns in local criminal activity that may require targeted intervention.

Crime in Dartmouth has increased by 10.1% year-on-year, with 'Other crime' surging by 85.7%—a sharp rise that outpaces all other categories. This trend contrasts with the 43.2% decline in anti-social behaviour, suggesting a reallocation of criminal activity. Monthly data shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest rate recorded in July (8.7 per 1,000/month) and the lowest in January (4.0 per 1,000/month). The July peak may correlate with increased tourist activity, while winter months see reduced footfall and fewer opportunities for crime. 'Other crime' has risen sharply despite overall crime remaining 23% below the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions in this category.

How To Keep Safe in Dartmouth

Residents should secure valuables during peak tourist hours (afternoon and evening) to mitigate the 23% elevation in 'Other crime'. For 'Other theft' (13% above UK average), avoid leaving unattended items in public spaces, particularly near car parks where vehicle crime rises at night. Given the 85.7% YoY increase in 'Other crime', consider installing scOS's AI-powered boundary detection to monitor property perimeters. For 'Other theft', store valuables in lockable containers and use scOS's DVLA checks to flag suspicious vehicles. These measures align with Dartmouth's specific crime patterns, offering targeted protection against opportunistic offences.

Crime in Dartmouth follows distinct daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (63% of incidents between 12pm-6pm), aligning with retail activity and tourist footfall. Vehicle crime rises sharply at night (13% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely linked to unattended cars in the town's car parks. 'Other crime' is most prevalent in the evening (56% of incidents between 6pm-12am), possibly reflecting increased transient activity during peak tourist hours. Burglary and violence remain rare across all times of day, which may be attributed to the town's compact layout and high visibility of public spaces.

Compared to the UK average, Dartmouth's crime rate is 23.4% lower (69.7 vs 91.0 per 1,000), making it a significantly safer area. While 'Other crime' is 23% above the UK average (2.5 vs 2.0 per 1,000), property crime is 32% below (21.7 vs 31.9 per 1,000). This suggests that Dartmouth's unique characteristics—such as its compact layout and tourist-driven economy—contribute to its distinct crime patterns compared to larger urban areas.

For Dartmouth residents facing above-average 'Other crime' (23% above UK average), proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary monitoring detects threats before they reach your property, using continuous multi-camera surveillance and DVLA vehicle registration checks. Its behavioural pattern learning distinguishes household members from intruders, reducing false alarms. With a dedicated scOS Architect handling setup and a monthly cost of £19, this system directly addresses Dartmouth's elevated 'Other crime' rate by removing the perception of opportunity. Ethernet-connected cameras ensure reliability, making it a practical solution for the town's specific security needs.