Kingsbridge Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 presented a mixed picture for crime in Kingsbridge, a built-up area within South Hams. The overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 30% below the UK average of 7.0, a position consistent with the area's historical trend of relatively low crime levels. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 54.8% of incidents (17 cases), though this category saw a 19% month-on-month decline from 21 to 17. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended darkness—likely contributed to the 200% increase in shoplifting (1 to 3) and the 150% rise in anti-social behaviour (2 to 5), both of which may have been exacerbated by increased foot traffic and social gatherings. Conversely, the 50% drop in public order offences (2 to 1) could reflect the calming effect of holiday periods on certain types of disorder. While property crimes remained at a low level (7 incidents, 1.1 per 1,000), the area's performance in categories like criminal damage and arson (0.3 per 1,000, 42% below UK average) further illustrates the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures. These patterns suggest that Kingsbridge's low overall rate is sustained by a combination of community-focused policing, the area's compact geography, and the seasonal rhythms that shape resident behaviour.

December 2025 saw stark shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting surging by 200% (1 to 3 incidents) and anti-social behaviour rising by 150% (2 to 5). These increases, though significant, occurred alongside a 50% drop in public order offences (2 to 1) and a 19% decrease in violence and sexual offences (21 to 17). The violent crime category, accounting for 54.8% of total incidents, remains 5% above the UK average at 2.7 per 1,000, despite the month-on-month decline. This contrast between overall trends and category-specific performance suggests complex local dynamics. Property crimes fell to 7 incidents, a rate of 1.1 per 1,000, far below the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000. The surge in shoplifting, which spiked to 0.5 per 1,000, may be linked to the Christmas shopping peak. For residents, the 150% rise in anti-social behaviour offers a concrete example of how seasonal factors can amplify certain crime types.

Kingsbridge's December 2025 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 16.2% decline from November's 5.9 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. This reduction aligns with broader patterns observed in the built-up area of South Hams, where seasonal factors and local dynamics appear to influence reporting. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in December, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 203 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in a community of just over 6,000 people. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, yet it highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance, particularly in areas where crime types such as violence and anti-social behaviour remain represented. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that while Kingsbridge's overall rate is well below the national average, specific categories like violence and sexual offences still require targeted attention.