Dartmouth Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of Dartmouth's size—home to 5,307 residents—46 reported crimes in July 2025 equate to 8.7 crimes per 1,000 people, a figure 1.2% above the UK average. This rate, while modest, reflects the interplay between Dartmouth's character as a coastal town and the seasonal dynamics of July. The month, marked by festivals, tourism, and extended daylight, likely influences crime patterns: property crimes (24 incidents, 52% of total) and violent crimes (13 incidents, 28%) dominate, with property crimes higher than the UK average for this category. The surge in 'other theft' and criminal damage during July may be partly explained by the influx of visitors, who may leave unsecured valuables or increase the visibility of targets during events. However, violent crime remains relatively low, with Dartmouth's rate of 2.5 per 1,000 for violence and sexual offences 18% below the UK average—a trend consistent with the area's limited nightlife and smaller population. The seasonal context of July—schools out, festivals, and extended summer evenings—may also contribute to a higher proportion of property-related crimes compared to violent incidents, as outdoor spaces become more crowded and transient populations increase. This pattern contrasts with other coastal towns, where tourism often correlates with higher theft from the person, though Dartmouth's rate of such crimes (0.2 per 1,000) remains below the UK average. The local crime profile thus appears shaped by the dual forces of seasonal tourism and the built-up area's inherent characteristics, which may limit the scope for certain types of crime while amplifying others.

July 2025 saw a dramatic 800% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 1 to 9 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 133% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 3 to 7), suggests a shift in criminal activity linked to summer events or unsecured property during festivals. 'other theft' in Dartmouth was 209% above the UK average, a stark contrast to anti-social behaviour, which fell 75% (from 8 to 2). The town's violent crime rate (2.5 per 1,000) was 18% below the UK average for this category, a statistic that may reflect the area's relatively low population density and limited nightlife compared to larger urban centres. Residents might find the 800% jump in theft particularly concerning, as it indicates a vulnerability in local security measures during peak tourist periods.

Dartmouth's crime rate in July 2025 rose 48.5% compared to June 2025, climbing from 5.8 to 8.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in the crime profile. On average, one crime was reported per day in July—a figure that, while low, underscores the visibility of incidents during peak summer activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a rate that, when scaled to Dartmouth's population of 5,307, illustrates the relative frequency of incidents in a small, densely populated built-up area. The daily crime count aligns with the seasonal rhythm of Dartmouth, where tourism and festivals draw large crowds, potentially increasing opportunities for petty crime. However, this rate remains below the UK average for daily crime density in similar coastal towns, suggesting local factors—such as community policing or seasonal event management—may temper the impact of increased foot traffic.