South Hams Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Hams' crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in May 2025 places it 50.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the area's distinct crime profile. The most prevalent offences were violence and sexual offences, contributing 40.6% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.4%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal and property-related incidents, which may be influenced by the area's character as a largely rural district with limited urban density. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended evenings—likely contributes to the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour, as outdoor drinking and socialising increase. However, the area's overall crime rate remains significantly lower than national averages, particularly in categories such as shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle crime, which are all 60-75% below UK levels. This pattern may reflect the lower population density and the reduced presence of high-footfall areas that typically drive such offences. The relative safety of South Hams compared to the UK average could also be attributed to effective local policing strategies or the area's socioeconomic profile, though further analysis would be required to confirm these factors. The data highlights a consistent trend of lower crime rates in property-related offences, which may be linked to the rural landscape's inherent challenges for opportunistic criminals, such as limited public transport and dispersed communities.

May 2025 saw a significant spike in robbery incidents, with cases increasing by 200% compared to the previous month, rising from one to three. This sharp rise contrasts with a 57.1% decrease in drug-related crimes, which fell from 14 to 6, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in activity or enforcement efforts. Bicycle theft also doubled, marking a 100% increase from zero to one incident, a trend that may relate to the extended daylight hours and increased outdoor activity typical of the month. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 28.6%, aligning with the broader pattern of lower property-related offences in the area. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 40.6% of all crimes, a rate 43% below the UK average. These findings illustrate a complex mix of local factors influencing crime trends, with some categories showing marked volatility while others remain consistently below national benchmarks.

South Hams' crime rate remained stable at 4.0 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, matching the same figure from April. This consistency suggests no immediate surge or decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly 12 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while low, reflects the localised nature of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 248 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk faced by South Hams' population. When scaled to the area's population of 92,148, the 372 total crimes represent a crime rate that is 50.6% below the UK average, a contrast that highlights the effectiveness of local policing or the area's demographic characteristics. This comparison is particularly relevant for residents considering relocation or those assessing community safety in the context of broader national trends.