South Hams Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2024, South Hams maintained a crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents, 58% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a sustained period of low crime, with the area’s profile dominated by violent offences rather than property-related incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.7% of all crimes, significantly outpacing other categories. This imbalance may be influenced by the area’s character—a mix of rural and coastal landscapes with a lower population density, which could contribute to higher visibility of public spaces and fewer opportunities for property crime. Anti-social behaviour followed with 14.7% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson made up 12.5%. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings and the Halloween period—may have played a role in the 20.3% month-on-month decline in violent crimes, as reduced visibility and community events could deter some offenders. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime (133.3%) highlights the need for targeted local measures. The UK comparison underscores South Hams’ exceptional performance, particularly in shoplifting (86% below the UK average) and public order offences (64% below). These figures suggest that the area’s unique socio-economic and geographical factors, such as limited urban density and strong community ties, likely contribute to its lower crime profile. The data also indicates that violent crime remains a priority for local authorities, requiring continued focus on prevention and support services.

October 2024 saw a 20.3% decrease in violent crimes, dropping from 148 to 118 incidents. This decline aligns with a broader trend of reduced violence and sexual offences, which now stand at 1.3 per 1,000 residents—51% below the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 133.3%, rising from 3 to 7 incidents, a stark contrast to the 79% UK average. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased vehicle movement during Halloween or changes in parking patterns. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 23.3%, from 60 to 46 incidents, suggesting improved community engagement or policing efforts. The area’s property crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, with shoplifting incidents at 86% below national levels. For residents, the 20.3% reduction in violent crime offers a tangible reassurance of safety improvements, though the rise in vehicle crime warrants local awareness.

South Hams recorded 313 crimes in October 2024, translating to a daily average of 10 crimes per day. This equates to one reported crime for roughly every 294 residents over the course of the month. Compared to the previous month, the crime rate dropped by 8.4% (from 3.7 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents), reflecting a sustained downward trend. While the daily crime count remains relatively low compared to major urban centres, the monthly exposure figure highlights the rarity of crime in this area. With a population of 92,148, the 313 total crimes represent a manageable proportion of the local community. The consistency in crime rates over recent months suggests that local initiatives and policing strategies may be contributing to this stability, though further analysis is needed to confirm specific factors. The low crime rate—58% below the UK average—underscores the area's distinct characteristics, possibly influenced by its rural and coastal geography, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime.