South Hams Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Hams recorded a crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, placing it 45.8% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This marks a continued trend of lower-than-national-average crime levels, consistent with the area’s rural character and limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.4% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and criminal damage and arson (11.5%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of December, when extended evenings, holiday gatherings, and empty homes during the festive period may contribute to spikes in certain categories. While the area’s overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, the persistence of violence-related offences suggests ongoing challenges in addressing local tensions, particularly in areas with transient populations or limited community engagement opportunities. The relatively low rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime—both 80% and 78% below UK averages, respectively—reflect the absence of high-traffic retail hubs or commuter parking zones, which are common drivers of such crimes in more densely populated regions.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+233.3%), drugs offences (+200.0%), and violence and sexual offences (+191.2%) compared to November. These rises, particularly in vehicle crime, may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased holiday travel and the potential for unsecured vehicles during festive events. Despite these jumps, South Hams remains far below UK averages for most crime categories: violence and sexual offences are 31% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour is 46% below. The dominance of violent crime—accounting for nearly half of all incidents—contrasts with the UK-wide trend where property crimes often outnumber violent offences. This divergence could reflect local dynamics, such as higher transient populations or limited community support networks in certain areas. For residents, the 80% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average offers reassurance, particularly for small businesses in rural areas where foot traffic is lower and surveillance is more visible.

South Hams’ December 2023 crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 represents a 94.5% increase from November’s 2.0 per 1,000, highlighting a significant month-on-month shift. This rise, though still below the UK average, underscores the volatility of crime patterns during December, a period marked by dark evenings, increased alcohol consumption, and the temporary displacement of residents during the festive season. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 12 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, may appear higher in the context of a small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 257 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains markedly lower than many urban centres. This statistic is particularly notable given South Hams’ population of 92,148, which is distributed across rural and coastal communities with limited concentrations of commercial or residential density. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates the area’s distinct profile: while most categories are significantly below national levels, the surge in violent crime suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address specific local risk factors, such as isolated housing or limited access to emergency services in remote areas.