Dartmouth Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dartmouth's crime profile in October 2024 stands out as one of the safest areas in the UK, with a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents—63% below the national average of 8.1 per 1,000. This built-up area within South Hams, characterised by its coastal location and historic town centre, has maintained consistently low crime levels that reflect both its demographic makeup and local policing strategies. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (43.8% of total incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (31.3%) and criminal damage (12.5%). While anti-social behaviour remained slightly above the UK average for this category (1.3 per 1,000), violent crime was 66% below the UK rate. This divergence highlights the unique challenges and strengths of Dartmouth's community. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the transition to winter, and Halloween—may have influenced crime patterns, though the overall decline in violent incidents suggests that these factors did not significantly increase risk. The area's compact size and tourist-oriented economy likely contribute to its lower crime rates, as commercial activity and community engagement may act as natural deterrents. These figures reinforce Dartmouth's reputation as a secure place to live, even as the UK as a whole experiences higher levels of criminal activity.

October 2024 saw a 44.4% decrease in violence and sexual offences, with incidents falling from 9 to 5. This marked decline aligns with the season's darker evenings and Halloween, which may have deterred outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 41.7%, from 12 to 7, though this category remained slightly above the UK average. Violent crime in Dartmouth was 66% below the UK rate of 2.7 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the national picture. Property crimes, including criminal damage and other theft, collectively accounted for 25% of incidents, with both categories 32-29% below UK averages. This suggests a focus on community-based crime prevention efforts, though the relatively high proportion of anti-social behaviour indicates ongoing challenges in managing public order. Residents may find the 51.6% month-on-month decline in overall crime rates particularly reassuring, as it reflects a sustained downward trend.

Dartmouth's crime rate in October 2024 fell to 3.0 per 1,000 residents, a 51.6% decline from the previous month's 6.2 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the area's generally low crime profile, which has consistently placed it well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in October, reflecting a sparse distribution of incidents across its population. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 332 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of risk for local residents. When compared to the UK's overall crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000, Dartmouth's performance highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community engagement in maintaining safety. The built-up area's compact size and strong sense of community may contribute to this outcome, though seasonal factors such as reduced tourism during autumn could also play a role. These figures offer residents reassurance that their area remains one of the safer places in the country, even as national crime rates fluctuate.