Dartmouth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 in Dartmouth revealed a stark contrast between violent and property crime, with the former accounting for 56.5% of all reported incidents. At 4.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, the built-up area’s overall crime rate sits 32.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s relatively low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, comprising 13 of 23 total crimes. This imbalance suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts or community tensions, potentially linked to seasonal factors. As a winter month with limited outdoor activity, February typically sees a pre-spring lull in property crime, which aligns with the 4 property crimes reported this month compared to 13 violent incidents. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, yet Dartmouth’s rate of 2.5 per 1,000 is 8% higher, indicating localised pressures. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, while lower than UK averages, showed notable spikes, possibly tied to post-holiday dynamics or community events. The seasonal context of low outdoor activity likely contributes to reduced opportunities for property crime, reinforcing the dominance of violent incidents in the monthly profile.

February 2026 saw a 300% month-on-month increase in public order offences, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, highlights shifting crime patterns. Violent crime remained the dominant category, with 13 incidents (56.5% of total) — 8% above the UK average for this category. Public order offences in Dartmouth were 95% higher than the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000, suggesting localised issues in community management or enforcement. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 66.7%, aligning with the typical seasonal decline in winter months. The 4.3 crime rate. below the UK average, underscores Dartmouth’s comparative safety. A resident might find the 100% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it marks a first recorded incident in the category this year. These shifts may reflect post-holiday activity or changes in retail security measures.

The crime rate in February 2026 rose by 9.3% compared to January’s 4.0 per 1,000, indicating a slight upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Dartmouth experienced roughly 1 crime per day in February, a figure that, while low, reflects the area’s small population of 5,307 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 231 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively safe environment. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the 23 total crimes within the local population scale. When compared to the UK’s broader context, Dartmouth’s lower crime rate is consistent with its character as a built-up area within South Hams, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to reduced incidents. The 9.3% increase from January, though modest, warrants attention to emerging patterns, particularly in public order offences. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that Dartmouth’s crime profile remains significantly less severe than the national average, offering reassurance to local residents.