South Hams Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated South Hams' crime profile in November 2025, accounting for nearly half of all reported crimes. At 3.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate was 53.4% below the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national trends highlights the unique character of South Hams, a largely rural district with a mix of coastal villages and small towns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (49.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.0%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). These figures align with the seasonal context of November, a month marked by darker evenings, Bonfire Night events, and the start of Black Friday shopping. The lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as shoplifting (84% below UK average) and vehicle crime (100% below) suggest a community profile that may be less prone to retail-related offences, potentially reflecting a lower density of commercial areas compared to urban centres. However, the high proportion of violent crime remains notable, influenced by local social dynamics or the impact of seasonal gatherings. The overall crime rate, while historically low for the area, shows a pattern consistent with rural regions where crime tends to be more concentrated in specific pockets rather than spread evenly across the population.

Month-on-month analysis reveals a mixed picture in South Hams' crime trends. Bicycle theft saw a 100% increase from zero to one incident, likely linked to seasonal changes in cycling activity. Similarly, drug-related crimes doubled from three to six, a rise that may reflect increased visibility during the darker evenings of November. Other crime also surged by 100%, jumping from five to ten incidents, though the nature of these crimes remains unspecified in the data. Conversely, several categories saw declines: possession of weapons fell by 60%, potentially due to reduced visibility of such activities in the colder months. Public order offences dropped by 50%, connected to the end of school term activities or fewer large gatherings. Burglary decreased by 28.6%, a shift that may be explained by the seasonal reduction in outdoor activity or improved security measures in residential areas. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly below the UK average (34% lower), while shoplifting was 84% below national rates. These figures suggest a community where violent crime is a more pressing concern than property crime, despite overall low levels. For residents, the 100% increase in bicycle theft highlights a specific risk point that may warrant local awareness campaigns during the winter months.

Compared to the previous month, South Hams' crime rate fell by 10.5%, dropping from 3.8 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while modest, aligns with the typical seasonal dip in crime seen in rural areas during late autumn. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 10 crimes per day in November, a figure that, when considered alongside the local population of 92,148, equates to one reported crime for every 293 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which would typically see one crime for every 138 residents. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the area's status as a relatively safe region, with crime concentrated in specific categories rather than being evenly distributed. The contrast with the UK average is particularly stark in property-related offences: shoplifting in South Hams was 84% below the national rate, while vehicle crime was entirely absent (100% below). This divergence likely reflects the geographic character of South Hams, where commercial activity is more limited compared to major urban centres. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (53% below UK average) and criminal damage (43% below) further underscore the area's distinct profile, suggesting a community with fewer incidents of public disorder than the national norm. These comparative figures provide context for residents and policymakers, highlighting both the strengths and specific areas requiring attention in South Hams' crime profile.