Modbury Crime Rate

Modbury is one of the safest urban settlements in the South Hams local authority, characterized by exceptionally low criminal activity. The area boasts an overall crime rate of just 28.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This translates to an impressive safety score of 94/100, placing Modbury well above the national benchmark of 78. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a substantial 20.8% decrease year-over-year. This combination of low crime and a declining trend makes Modbury an ideal location for those seeking a secure and peaceful environment. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime types, trends, and safety advice to help you understand the security landscape of this historic market town.

Modbury Crime Analysis

In Modbury, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.4% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.1% and 'other theft' at 14.0%. While these figures are the most prominent, the overall volume of crime in the area is exceptionally low.

Property crime in Modbury—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is remarkably rare, with a rate of just 6.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Specifically, burglary and vehicle crime are so infrequent they do not feature in the top statistics, while criminal damage and arson represent only 7.0% of reports. For residents and homeowners, these statistics translate to a very high level of security. However, the prevalence of 'other theft' and anti-social behaviour indicates that opportunistic crime and low-level disturbances are the main areas requiring attention. Maintaining a visible security presence and participating in community watch programmes can further suppress these already low figures.

Modbury is experiencing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with a 20.8% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. A look at the monthly data for the 2024-2025 period shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained consistently low, often dipping to 1.0 in months like December, April, June, and July. There was a notable but isolated spike to 6.4 in August 2025, which may be attributed to seasonal factors or a specific local event. Aside from this outlier, the area has maintained a very stable and low crime profile. This sustained reduction is a strong indicator of Modbury's status as an increasingly safe community. Residents can take confidence in these figures, which suggest that the area is not only safe but continues to improve in its security standing.

How To Keep Safe in Modbury

The most common crime type in Modbury is violence and sexual offences, though it is important to note that the total number of incidents is very low. To maintain your personal safety in this secure community, consider these practical steps:

1. Although the area is very safe, it is still wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night in less frequented areas.
2. If you are involved in or witness a verbal disagreement that feels like it could escalate, the best course of action is to calmly walk away and report the incident if necessary.
3. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible when out, and consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member if you are out late.
4. Ensure that your home and vehicle are always locked, even if you are only away for a short period, to prevent the rare occurrence of opportunistic theft.
5. Participate in local community groups or the Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any local issues and to help maintain Modbury's high safety standards.

Crime patterns in Modbury are heavily concentrated during daylight and early evening hours, though the overall volume remains very low. Morning hours (6am-12pm) and afternoons (12pm-6pm) are the most active periods for theft-related offences, which account for 88% and 90% of crimes in those periods respectively. As the day transitions into evening (6pm-12am) and night (12am-6am), the proportion of 'other' crime types increases, reaching 42% in the late-night hours. However, it is notable that theft still remains the majority crime type even at night (58%). This suggests that security efforts should be consistently applied throughout the day, with a particular focus on property and personal belongings during business hours.

In the context of its local region, Modbury stands out for its high level of safety. With a crime rate of 28.2 per 1,000 people, it is considerably safer than the larger nearby town of Ivybridge, which has a rate of 53.9, and the village of Bittaford at 45.9. While some very small neighbouring areas like Ermington and Aveton Gifford have recorded zero crimes, Modbury remains one of the most secure urban settlements of its size in the South Hams. For residents or those considering moving to the area, Modbury offers a superior safety profile compared to many of the more populated hubs in the region, providing a tranquil and low-risk living environment.

In an area as safe as Modbury, where property crime is a mere 6.4 per 1,000 residents, it can be easy to become complacent. However, the very high safety score of 94/100 is something residents naturally wish to maintain. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after a sensor is tripped or record footage of a crime while it is happening. For those who value true prevention, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can escalate. Whether it's recognizing a delivery or detecting a suspicious individual, the system can autonomously activate lights or speakers to deter intruders. In a low-crime area like Modbury, the goal of security is often about maintaining the sanctuary of your home and deterring the rare opportunistic offender. scOS provides this level of professional-grade protection, ensuring that your home remains as secure as the statistics suggest, by preventing incidents rather than just documenting them.