South Hams Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour remains the dominant crime category in South Hams, accounting for 32% of all reported crimes in September 2023. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where anti-social behaviour constitutes 48% of total crimes, highlighting South Hams' comparatively lower prevalence of such incidents. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 2.2 per 1,000 residents, 72.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Violent crimes, at 0.5 per 1,000, were 82% below the UK average, while property crimes accounted for 33.5% of total reports. September's seasonal context—marked by back-to-school activities and university freshers' week—likely influenced patterns, with anti-social behaviour often spiking in areas with high student populations. The low burglary rate (0.0 per 1,000) and vehicle crime rate (0.0 per 1,000) suggest a rural landscape with limited urban density, where property crimes are less frequent. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour may reflect community-specific dynamics, such as social cohesion or local enforcement strategies. The data illustrates a crime profile shaped by geographic and demographic factors, with property crimes and anti-social behaviour forming the core of the local crime picture.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with possession of weapons increasing by 200% (from 2 to 6 incidents) and other crime rising by 100% (from 4 to 8). These increases contrast with steep declines in burglary (-71.4%, from 7 to 2) and vehicle crime (-50%, from 8 to 4). The drop in burglary may align with seasonal trends, as rural areas often see reduced property crime during autumn months when outdoor activity decreases. Conversely, the surge in weapon possession could reflect heightened tensions during the transition from summer to autumn, though no direct causal link is confirmed. Anti-social behaviour, while remaining the most common category, was 48% below the UK average, suggesting local factors—such as community engagement or policing priorities—may contribute to its lower incidence. Other theft, at 0.3 per 1,000, was also 50% below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures in the area. Residents may find the 82% reduction in shoplifting (from 12 to 7) noteworthy, as it suggests targeted interventions in retail zones. These fluctuations underscore the complexity of crime trends, influenced by both seasonal rhythms and localized conditions.

South Hams' crime rate in September 2023 (2.2 per 1,000) marked a 7.6% decrease from August's 2.4 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day, a figure that contextualizes the low overall rate within a rural setting. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 454 residents, illustrating the relatively low exposure to crime compared to more densely populated regions. With a population of 92,148, the area's crime statistics highlight the impact of geographic dispersion, where crime rates are typically diluted across larger spaces. This monthly exposure rate—1 in 454—provides a tangible benchmark for residents, emphasizing that most households are unaffected by crime. The contrast with the UK average (8.0 per 1,000) further underscores South Hams' position as a low-crime area, likely influenced by its rural character and limited urban centers. While direct links to local policies, the sustained reduction in crime rates suggests that broader environmental factors—such as community cohesion or natural deterrents—may play a role in maintaining this profile.