Totnes Crime Rate

Totnes's crime rate of 73.4 per 1,000 residents is 19.6% below the UK average, making it a relatively safe area. However, shoplifting is 17% above the UK average, highlighting a unique challenge. The town's overall safety score of 84/100—5 points above the UK average—reflects a mix of low violent crime and specific property crime trends.

Totnes is a historic market town in South Hams, known for its vibrant community, independent shops, and proximity to Dartington and Stoke Gabriel. As a built-up area with a population of around 9,000, it balances urban and rural characteristics. Its retail centres and foot traffic may contribute to shoplifting, while its compact layout and limited nightlife likely suppress violent crime. Economic factors, such as a mix of local businesses and tourism, shape its crime profile.

The most surprising finding is that shoplifting in Totnes is 17% above the UK average (8.9 vs 7.6 per 1,000), despite overall crime being lower. This may stem from Totnes's retail density and foot traffic, which create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, vehicle crime is 67% below the UK average (1.5 vs 4.7 per 1,000), likely due to lower commuter traffic and fewer parking lots. Violence and sexual offences (25.4 per 1,000) are 21% below the UK average, possibly reflecting Totnes's low population density and community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour (11.1 per 1,000) is also 25% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement.

Totnes's crime rate has decreased by 21.0% year-on-year, with notable declines in anti-social behaviour (-25.2%), other theft (-41.8%), and criminal damage and arson (-45.7%). However, robbery has surged by 100.0% YoY, though it remains 45% below the UK average. The monthly trend shows a peak in July (9.6 per 1,000/month), likely due to increased tourism and social activity during the summer, followed by a sharp decline in November (3.9 per 1,000/month). This seasonal fluctuation suggests crime is influenced by visitor numbers and local events.

How To Keep Safe in Totnes

Stay vigilant in retail areas during afternoon hours, when shoplifting peaks. Use well-lit routes and avoid isolated paths at night, when vehicle crime rises. For personal safety, consider installing scOS's autonomous deterrence systems to discourage potential intruders. Report suspicious anti-social behaviour promptly, as Totnes's rate is 25% below the UK average, but vigilance remains key.

Crime in Totnes peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) with 55% of theft incidents and 11% of burglaries, aligning with retail hours and public activity. Vehicle crime rises at night (12am-6am), possibly linked to unattended cars in residential areas. The evening (6pm-12am) sees a smaller spike in theft (22%) but higher other crimes (61%), which may reflect social events or late-night mobility. Notably, burglaries are most common at night (15%), suggesting targeted break-ins during periods of low visibility.

Totnes's crime rate (73.4 per 1,000) is 71% higher than Dartington (42.9 per 1,000) and 131% higher than Stoke Gabriel (31.8 per 1,000). Stoke Gabriel is the safest nearby area, likely due to its smaller population and lower retail density. Dartington's higher crime rate may reflect greater foot traffic or socioeconomic disparities.

For Totnes, scOS's proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can help mitigate shoplifting risks in retail areas. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification feature is particularly relevant, though vehicle crime is low here. Behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms for anti-social behaviour, which is 25% below the UK average. Autonomous deterrence can also address the 100% YoY increase in robbery, even though Totnes's rate remains below the UK average.