South Hams Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Hams’ crime rate for November 2023 stood at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure 73.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s unique position within the national crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31% of all reported crimes, with 57 incidents recorded—a rate of 0.6 per 1,000, 77% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 21.7% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson made up 14.1%. These figures align with the area’s rural character, where open spaces and lower population density may naturally reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. November’s seasonal context—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended dark evenings—likely influenced patterns. For instance, the rise in violence and sexual offences could be linked to increased social gatherings during the festive period. Conversely, the low rate of shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000) suggests that local retail areas may benefit from strong community oversight or effective policing. The absence of significant property crime, such as burglary or vehicle crime, further reinforces the area’s relative safety. While the overall rate remains low, the 8.7% monthly increase from October 2023 to November 2023 indicates a need for continued monitoring, particularly as seasonal factors shift into winter. This data illustrates a community with a crime profile shaped by its geography, demographics, and annual rhythms, offering both reassurance and areas for cautious attention.

November 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons surged by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), while robbery doubled (from 0 to 1). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened awareness or seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 66.7% (from 9 to 3), potentially linked to reduced traffic during the holiday period. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences (0.6 per 1,000) remain 77% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national trend. Anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) also lags significantly, 62% below the UK rate. Residents may find the 1-in-501 monthly exposure figure useful for understanding their personal risk context. These shifts highlight the area’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its rural nature and seasonal rhythms.

South Hams' crime rate in November 2023 rose 8.7% from the previous month's 1.8 per 1,000 to 2.0 per 1,000. This equates to roughly 6 crimes reported daily, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a localised sense. Over the course of November, one crime occurred for every 501 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the relative rarity of crime in this area compared to national benchmarks. With a population of 92,148, the low rate aligns with South Hams' character as a largely rural district, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for crime. The 1-in-501 figure, while seemingly small, reflects the cumulative impact of incidents over a month, offering residents a tangible measure of their personal risk. This rate remains 73.3% below the UK average, a disparity that underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and the area’s socio-economic profile.