Rural South Hams Crime Rate

Rural South Hams is a notably safe region, characterised by an overall crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to its impressive safety score of 90/100. However, the area has seen a recent upward trend, with crime increasing by 13.4% year-over-year. While the area remains one of the more secure parts of the country, this shift suggests a need for increased awareness among the local population. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and practical safety advice tailored to the specific needs of residents in this rural setting.

Crime in Rural South Hams

The criminal profile of Rural South Hams is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.4% and criminal damage and arson at 10.3%. These figures reflect common trends in rural areas where public order and personal safety are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Rural South Hams, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, stands at a rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9. Burglary accounts for 4.5% of total crime, while vehicle crime is even lower at 2.4%. While the overall volume of property crime is low, the impact on residents in rural settings can be significant due to the relative isolation of many properties. 'Other theft' is a notable category at 10.2%, suggesting that outbuildings, farms, and unsecured equipment may be occasional targets for opportunistic offenders.

Crime Trends in Rural South Hams

The crime rate in Rural South Hams has experienced a notable increase of 13.4% over the past year. This upward trend is a significant shift for an area typically known for its stability. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a gradual rise in activity.

Starting at 2.4 per 1,000 in November 2024, the rate climbed steadily to a peak of 3.9 in May and July 2025. While there was a slight dip back to 2.9 by October 2025, the overall baseline remains higher than in previous years. This increase may be attributed to several factors, including changes in reporting or a rise in specific crime types like violence or anti-social behaviour. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and investing in modern security measures, as the area is no longer as immune to broader regional crime patterns as it once was. Staying informed about local police initiatives will be key to navigating this changing landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Rural South Hams

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Rural South Hams, making up 44.5% of all reports. While these often occur in private settings or specific hotspots, maintaining personal safety awareness is essential for all residents.

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in isolated rural areas, especially after dark. Carry a charged mobile phone and let someone know your expected return time.
2. In village centres or near local pubs, stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone late at night if possible.
3. Utilise personal safety apps that can share your location with trusted contacts if you feel vulnerable.
4. Report any suspicious behaviour or unfamiliar vehicles loitering in rural lanes to the local police via 101, as this can help prevent both personal and property crime.
5. Ensure your home is clearly marked with a house name or number that is visible from the road to assist emergency services in finding you quickly if needed.

Crime in Rural South Hams shows distinct variations throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 53% and 55% of crimes respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft and shoplifting are most common during standard business and travel hours. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts significantly; theft drops to 23%, while 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, surge to 52%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) presents the highest specific risk for property owners, with burglary peaking at 24% and vehicle crime reaching 22%. This indicates that while the total volume of crime may be lower at night, the severity of property threats increases, making robust overnight security essential for residents.

Rural South Hams serves as a safe haven compared to many of the more densely populated areas in the South West. While specific neighbouring settlements vary, the overall rate of 39.1 is consistently lower than the national average and typical for well-policed rural districts. Residents in this area benefit from a community-focused environment where large-scale urban crime is rare. For those considering a move to the region, Rural South Hams offers a balance of tranquility and security that is increasingly hard to find in more urbanised local authority areas. This regional context reinforces the area's reputation as a premium residential location.

With a property crime rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people, Rural South Hams is statistically very secure. However, the increasing trend of 13.4% and the inherent vulnerability of isolated rural properties mean that traditional security may not be enough. Standard CCTV cameras and doorbells often only record a crime as it happens, leaving you with nothing but footage of the event. In a rural context, where police response times may be longer, preventing the crime from ever occurring is paramount.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive protection. It monitors your entire property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. For rural residents, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and recognise familiar routines means fewer false alarms and immediate action when a real threat is detected. By engaging autonomous responses like light and sound, scOS deters intruders at the perimeter. This proactive approach is the most effective way to safeguard isolated homes and outbuildings against the rising crime trends in the area.