South Hams Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated South Hams' crime profile in November 2024, accounting for 42.6% of all reported crimes. This category, at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, was 42% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 3.6 per 1,000, placing it 52.6% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour (14.3% of total crimes) and criminal damage and arson (9.1%) followed as the next most common categories. These figures align with South Hams' character as a largely rural district with limited urban density, where community policing and sparse population distribution likely contribute to lower crime rates. Seasonal factors in November—such as dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping—may have influenced patterns. The area’s crime profile contrasts sharply with major urban centres, where property crimes and vehicle-related offences dominate. Violent crime remains the most prevalent category, reflecting the impact of local demographics and social dynamics on crime trends.

November 2024 saw a 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 2 incidents. Bicycle theft also doubled, with two reported cases compared to zero in the previous month. These increases may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the timing of Bonfire Night, which could have drawn larger crowds to public spaces. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 71.4% (from 7 to 2 incidents), reflecting reduced traffic during the month or improved security measures. Violence and sexual offences remained the most significant category, but their rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 42% below the UK average. This discrepancy highlights the area’s unique profile, where violent crime is less common than in other parts of the country. The shift in crime mix—violent crimes outpacing property crimes—suggests that local social dynamics, such as community cohesion or policing strategies, may be influencing outcomes. For residents, the 11 crimes reported per day (based on a 30-day period) provide a concrete reference for understanding the pace of incidents in their neighbourhood.

The crime rate in South Hams rose by 5.0% from 3.4 per 1,000 in October to 3.6 per 1,000 in November 2024, marking a slight upward trend. However, this remains well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 280 residents, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low crime exposure compared to national standards. With a population of 92,148, the daily crime count of 11 incidents provides context for residents: this equates to approximately one crime every 8.3 hours, a rate that is significantly lower than urban areas. The population-scaled perspective reveals that South Hams’ crime profile is shaped by its rural character, where isolated communities and limited commercial hubs may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. While the slight month-on-month increase may reflect seasonal fluctuations—such as the impact of dark evenings on anti-social behaviour—it does not indicate a broader trend. The area’s performance remains consistent with its historical position as a low-crime district, even as it navigates the challenges of seasonal events.