Dartmouth Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dartmouth’s overall crime rate in April 2023 stood at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 57.3% below the UK average of 7.5. This stark contrast highlights the area’s relatively low crime profile, a pattern consistent with Dartmouth’s character as a coastal town with a mix of historic residential areas, tourist infrastructure, and limited industrial presence. The top crime categories were violence and sexual offences (41.2% of total crimes), followed by vehicle crime (23.5%) and other theft (17.7%). The dominance of violent crime may reflect the town’s seasonal rhythms, as April coincides with the Easter holiday period, when transient populations and increased foot traffic in public spaces could contribute to heightened incidents of personal crime. Vehicle crime, though lower than the UK average for this category, remains a concern for local residents, linked to the town’s proximity to major roads and the presence of car parks frequented by tourists. Meanwhile, the low rate of anti-social behaviour (5.9% of total crimes) suggests a generally orderly community, though this may also be influenced by the town’s compact size and strong local policing presence. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and increased outdoor activity—likely plays a role in shaping crime patterns, with warmer temperatures encouraging more public engagement and complicating efforts to monitor and prevent crime in crowded areas.

April 2023 saw significant month-on-month increases in criminal damage and arson (+100%), other theft (+100%), and vehicle crime (+100%), though these categories remain below or in line with UK averages. For instance, vehicle crime at 0.8 per 1,000 was 78% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, indicating a localised vulnerability despite the overall low crime rate. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 66.7% compared to March, a drop that may reflect the impact of Easter-related community activities or temporary changes in public behaviour. Violence and sexual offences, while the most common category (41.2% of total crimes), remained 50% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a disparity that could be attributed to Dartmouth’s smaller population and lower density of nightlife venues compared to larger urban centres. The surge in criminal damage and arson, however, raises questions about potential seasonal factors such as the Easter holiday’s influence on property neglect or the increased presence of transient individuals in the area. Residents may find the breakdown of crime types useful for understanding local risks, particularly the need for vigilance around vehicle security and property maintenance during peak tourist periods.

Dartmouth’s crime rate in April 2023 (3.2 per 1,000) marked a 70.2% increase from March’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may seem concerning in isolation but must be contextualised within Dartmouth’s small population of 5,307 residents. Over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 312 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the rarity of crime in this built-up area compared to larger towns and cities. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it translates to a low probability of personal involvement in crime, even during periods of increased activity such as Easter. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures, which have likely contributed to maintaining a crime rate that is 57.3% below the UK average. While the month-on-month rise in certain categories is notable, the overall trajectory remains one of relative safety, reflecting the area’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics, including its focus on tourism and limited industrial activity.