Dartmouth Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2024, Dartmouth recorded 32 crimes across a population of 5,307 residents, translating to a crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000—a figure that is 28.6% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This relatively low rate, despite the sharp rise in certain categories, reflects the area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of tourist attractions and historic sites. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (13 incidents, 40.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (9 incidents, 28.1%) and criminal damage and arson (5 incidents, 15.6%). The seasonal context of July—peak summer with schools out, festivals, and increased tourism—likely contributes to the fluctuations observed. For instance, the 160% increase in violent crime may be linked to the influx of visitors and the extended hours of public activity typical of the summer season. However, the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community resilience. Anti-social behaviour, though down by 10% compared to the previous month, still exceeds the UK average by 17%, potentially indicating a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Meanwhile, the stark disparity in possession of weapons offences—471% above the national rate—raises questions about local enforcement practices or reporting discrepancies. These patterns, when viewed through the lens of Dartmouth’s geography and demographics, highlight a combination of seasonal factors, tourism, and community-specific challenges.

July 2024 saw a sharp 160% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from five to 13 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 150% rise in criminal damage and arson, suggests a shift in crime dynamics during the peak summer season. Anti-social behaviour, however, decreased by 10% to nine incidents, a minor but notable decline. Violence and sexual offences in Dartmouth remain 12% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour is 17% above the national rate of 1.4 per 1,000. The significant 471% gap in possession of weapons offences—0.4 per 1,000 in Dartmouth versus 0.1 per 1,000 nationally—underscores a local anomaly that may reflect specific enforcement patterns or reporting practices. For residents, the 160% jump in violent crime is a concrete data point that warrants attention, particularly as summer festivals and events continue to draw visitors to the area.

Dartmouth’s crime rate in July 2024 rose by 39.3% compared to the previous month, climbing from 4.3 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 28.6% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day during July, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate despite the month-on-month rise. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 166 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a lower frequency of incidents compared to national benchmarks. This statistic, when contextualised with Dartmouth’s population of 5,307, illustrates that while the local rate has increased, it remains significantly lower than the UK average. The combination of summer tourism, festivals, and the area’s coastal character likely influences the timing and nature of incidents, though the overall volume remains manageable for a town of this size.