South Hams Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Hams' crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in June 2024 places it 42.7% below the UK average of 8.2, reflecting a consistently safer profile compared to national trends. This rural district, characterized by its coastal and agricultural landscapes, shows a distinct crime profile shaped by seasonal rhythms and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences (153 cases, 35.4% of total) remain the most prevalent category, though they are 38% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour (94 cases, 21.8%) and criminal damage and arson (56 cases, 13.0%) follow as the next most common offences. The low rates of property crimes—particularly shoplifting (68% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below)—suggest a combination of low population density and limited commercial activity in comparison to urban centres. June, as the start of the summer season, may have influenced patterns: the longer daylight hours could contribute to increased anti-social behaviour in public spaces, while the early stages of the tourist season might explain the modest rise in bicycle theft and theft from the person. However, the overall crime rate remains well below national benchmarks, consistent with the area's rural character and limited urban infrastructure.

June 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft and theft from the person both doubling compared to May (100% increase each). This rise may be linked to increased cycling activity during the summer months and the early influx of tourists. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 57.9% (from 19 to 8 cases), due to fewer vehicles on the road during peak holiday periods or changes in parking patterns. Other crime increased by 66.7% (from 9 to 15 cases), though this category remains significantly below the UK average (25% above). The persistent underperformance of property crimes against national rates—particularly shoplifting (68% below UK average) and burglary (67% below)—suggests that the area's rural nature and limited retail density may reduce opportunities for such offences. Violent crime remains 38% below the UK average (1.7 vs 2.8 per 1,000), a trend consistent with South Hams' demographic profile and lower population density. Residents may find the 100% drop in possession of weapons (from 0.1 to 0.0 per 1,000) particularly reassuring, though this figure is based on a small number of incidents.

South Hams' crime rate in June 2024 (4.7 per 1,000) rose slightly from 4.4 per 1,000 in May, reflecting a 5.9% increase. This monthly change, while modest, aligns with the seasonal transition into summer, which often sees shifts in crime patterns due to increased outdoor activity and tourism. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 14 crimes per day in June, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents when contextualized against the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 213 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk of victimization in this rural district. When compared to the UK average, South Hams' performance in key categories remains strikingly divergent: violence and sexual offences are 38% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour is 29% below. These disparities highlight the area's unique characteristics—its sparse population, limited urban centres, and strong community networks—which likely contribute to lower crime rates. The data also reveals that even categories typically associated with urban environments, such as vehicle crime and shoplifting, are significantly underrepresented in South Hams, further reinforcing the area's distinct crime profile.