South Hams Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Hams’ crime rate in April 2023 stood at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, 80% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This marked contrast with national trends is particularly evident in violent crime, where violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.9% of all reported crimes—well below the UK average for this category. The area’s low crime profile, especially for property-related offences, aligns with its rural character, where limited retail density and dispersed population reduce opportunities for theft and burglary. However, the most striking anomaly was the 33.3% increase in shoplifting, which rose from six to eight incidents despite overall declines in other categories. This uptick may be linked to Easter-related retail activity, as seasonal shopping periods often correlate with higher shoplifting rates in smaller towns. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime type, though it too was 66% below the UK average. The combination of low population density and effective policing likely contributes to South Hams’ consistently low crime rates, though the shoplifting spike highlights the need for targeted interventions during peak retail periods. April’s spring weather and increased outdoor activity may have also influenced crime patterns, with public order offences and anti-social behaviour driven by more social interactions in public spaces. Overall, the district’s crime profile continues to reflect its rural nature, with property crimes and public order issues dominating but at rates far below national averages.

April 2023 saw a notable 33.3% increase in shoplifting, rising from six to eight incidents. This uptick contrasts with significant declines in other categories, including an 87.5% drop in drug-related crimes and an 83.3% decrease in 'other crime' reports. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type (29.9% of total), remained 85% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, highlighting the district’s consistent underperformance relative to national benchmarks in violent crime. Anti-social behaviour also fell sharply below UK rates, at 66% below the national average. These patterns suggest that while seasonal factors may drive certain crimes, the area’s broader crime profile remains firmly in line with its rural character, where property crimes and public order issues dominate but at significantly lower rates than urban counterparts.

South Hams' crime rate in April 2023 fell to 1.5 per 1,000 residents, a 38.7% drop from the previous month’s 2.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as spring weather and Easter activities may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Daily, the area saw approximately five crimes reported, a figure that remains well below the UK average when scaled to local population size. Over the course of April, one crime occurred for every 673 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the district’s consistently low crime profile. While this statistic is lower than many UK areas, it also highlights the stability of local policing efforts and community engagement in South Hams. The population context further underscores that even with 137 crimes reported, the rate per capita remains exceptionally low, suggesting a combination of geographic factors and effective crime prevention strategies in place.