Salcombe Crime Rate

Salcombe is a highly secure coastal town, featuring an overall crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting the area's status as a safe and desirable location. With a safety score of 89/100, Salcombe performs significantly better than the national average of 78. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in the area is stable, with a 0.0% change year-over-year. This consistency provides a predictable environment for residents and visitors alike. The following analysis explores the specific types of crime prevalent in the town and provides insights into local safety patterns.

Crime in Salcombe

The crime landscape in Salcombe is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.9% of all incidents with a rate of 16.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.8% and other theft at 17.0%. While these figures are low in a national context, they represent the bulk of local police activity.

Property-related crime in Salcombe, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 16.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, suggesting that while the area is generally secure, residents should remain mindful of opportunistic offences. Burglary and vehicle crime specifically remain rare, but the prevalence of 'other theft' indicates that personal belongings and unsecured items are the most common targets for property offenders in the town.

Crime Trends in Salcombe

The crime rate in Salcombe has remained stable over the last 12 months, with a 0.0% year-over-year change. This consistency suggests that local policing and community safety measures are effectively managing the town's unique challenges. However, an analysis of the monthly trendData reveals significant seasonal fluctuations.

Crime rates are notably low throughout the winter and spring, with figures as low as 0.8 per 1,000 in December 2024. However, there is a dramatic surge in August 2025, where the rate hits 15.2 per 1,000. This peak aligns perfectly with the height of the summer tourist season, suggesting that the influx of visitors brings a temporary increase in opportunistic crime and public order issues. Following this peak, the rate quickly subsides, returning to 3.4 in September and 4.2 in October. For residents, this means that while the year-round average is very low, vigilance should be heightened during the busy summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Salcombe

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Salcombe, often associated with the town's busy seasonal periods and evening economy. While the overall risk remains low, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal safety.

1. When enjoying Salcombe’s nightlife, try to stay in well-lit areas and walk in groups where possible, especially when moving between venues or heading home.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas during the peak tourist season to deter opportunistic theft and maintain personal space.
3. If you are out late, plan your route home in advance and use reputable local transport or pre-booked taxis.
4. Trust your instincts; if a situation or environment feels uncomfortable, move to a busy, well-lit public place or enter a local business for assistance.
5. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention in busy commercial or waterfront areas.

In Salcombe, crime intensity follows a distinct pattern linked to the town's daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 69% of crimes during these hours. This likely reflects shoplifting and opportunistic theft in commercial areas during business hours. As the day progresses into the evening, the crime mix shifts; while theft remains significant (38%), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, increase to 35%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see the highest concentration of serious property threats, with burglary reaching 31% and vehicle crime peaking at 17%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, the late-night hours are when residential and vehicle security are most at risk. Residents should ensure their properties are fully secured before retiring for the night.

When compared to surrounding areas, Salcombe's crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 people sits in the middle of the regional spectrum. It is notably safer than the nearby town of Kingsbridge, which experiences a much higher rate of 85.9. However, Salcombe is slightly less quiet than the village of Malborough, which records a rate of 33.4. For those seeking absolute seclusion, both West Charleton and South Milton reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people in the same period. This regional context shows that while Salcombe is a safe hub, it naturally experiences slightly more activity than its purely rural neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 16.0 per 1,000 people, Salcombe residents enjoy a high level of security, but the presence of 'other theft' and occasional burglaries suggests that proactive protection is still a wise investment. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest, are often reactive, providing you with footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In a community like Salcombe, where prevention is the goal, an AI-powered operating system like scOS offers a superior alternative.

scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, detecting potential threats before they reach your front door. Unlike DIY systems that rely on simple motion alerts, scOS identifies patterns and verifies vehicles, ensuring you are only notified of genuine risks. By deploying autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—scOS destroys the element of surprise for would-be intruders. For Salcombe homeowners, this means moving from simply recording a burglary to actively preventing one, maintaining the peace and security the area is known for.