South Hams Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 267 residents in South Hams, one reported crime occurred during February 2026, translating to a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 — 42.2% below the UK average of 6.4. This rural district, which includes coastal and inland communities, saw violence and sexual offences account for 40% of all crimes, followed by other theft (23.8%) and criminal damage (8.7%). The winter month typically sees reduced outdoor activity, which may partly explain the lower-than-expected levels of vehicle crime and burglary. However, the distribution of crime types suggests a complex relationship between local demographics and incident patterns. While violent crime remains the most prevalent category, its rate of 1.5 per 1,000 is 35% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area’s lower population density and community-focused policing initiatives. Other theft, though comprising a smaller share of total crimes, is 114% above the UK average — a statistic that may warrant closer examination of retail and small business security practices in the region. The seasonal context of February, a pre-spring lull, aligns with the overall crime rate being lower than the UK’s, though the exact mechanisms behind this disparity require further analysis of local economic and social factors.

February 2026 saw a 49.1% increase in other theft, with 82 incidents reported — a sharp rise from 55 in January. This category, which includes crimes like fraud and cybercrime, is 114% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000, highlighting a potential gap in local crime prevention strategies for non-traditional offences. Conversely, burglary fell by 68.8% (from 16 to 5 cases), possibly linked to seasonal factors or improved property security measures. Other notable changes include a 150% surge in 'other crime' (from 4 to 10 cases), which may reflect underreported incidents or shifts in police categorisation. The rate of violence and sexual offences (1.5 per 1,000) remains 35% below the UK average, though the 138 cases recorded represent the largest single category of crime. For residents, the 12 crimes reported daily in February provide a tangible metric to gauge local safety relative to national trends. The significant drop in burglary, combined with the rise in other theft, suggests a shifting crime profile that may require targeted interventions in both physical and digital domains.

The crime rate in February 2026 (3.7 per 1,000) marked a 4.1% decrease from January’s 3.9 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend relative to previous months. Over 28 days, 12 crimes were reported daily — a figure that, while seemingly high, translates to a monthly exposure of 1-in-267 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which suggests South Hams’ rural character and lower population density may contribute to its safer profile. However, the sharp increase in other theft (114% above the UK average) contrasts with the UK’s overall trends, indicating potential vulnerabilities in local economic or digital crime prevention. The population context further illustrates that, despite the 345 total crimes recorded, the per-capita rate remains well below national benchmarks. This comparison underscores the importance of localised crime analysis, as South Hams’ unique demographic profile — likely including a mix of rural and coastal communities — may drive distinct patterns compared to more urban areas. The 12 daily crimes, while notable, are distributed across a population of 92,148, highlighting that the risk per individual remains relatively low compared to the UK’s broader urban centres.