Dartmouth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dartmouth’s September 2024 crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents places it 19.5% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s relatively low crime profile. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (36.4% of total), violence and sexual offences (27.3%), and public order incidents (9.1%). This distribution aligns with Dartmouth’s character as a coastal resort with a mix of residential and tourist areas, where anti-social behaviour and public order issues may be amplified by transient visitors. Seasonal factors, such as the start of the academic year and shorter evenings, could contribute to the rise in anti-social behaviour, as young people return to the area. However, the lower-than-average rates for violent crime and property theft suggest that local policing strategies or community engagement efforts may be effective. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, specific categories like anti-social behaviour and other crime show significant deviations, indicating areas for targeted intervention. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed toward non-violent incidents, which may be linked to the town’s focus on retail and leisure rather than industrial activity. As September transitions into October, the impact of seasonal changes on crime patterns will be worth monitoring, particularly in relation to increased foot traffic and potential changes in community dynamics.

September 2024 saw notable spikes in robbery, other crime, and drugs, each doubling from zero to one or two incidents. These increases, while small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal shifts as university freshers arrive and nights draw in. Conversely, other theft and criminal damage and arson each fell by 50%, possibly linked to reduced summer activity or targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour remains the most prevalent category, at 2.3 per 1,000—97% above the UK average. This stark contrast highlights local challenges, such as the impact of transient populations or community tensions exacerbated by seasonal transitions. Violence and sexual offences, however, are 35% below the UK average, suggesting effective policing or community support mechanisms in place for violent crime.

Dartmouth’s crime rate in September 2024 rose by 13.9% compared to August, moving from 5.5 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, suggests a shift in local dynamics. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one crime reported per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Monthly exposure highlights that one crime occurred for every 161 residents, a ratio that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance. With a population of 5,307, this translates to a manageable frequency for most households. However, the rise in specific categories—such as robbery and other crime—suggests localized pressures that may not yet be fully understood. The comparison to the UK average, though not directly relevant here, reinforces Dartmouth’s generally lower crime profile, a trend that has persisted despite this month’s increase.