Totnes Crime Rate

Totnes is a vibrant market town in South Hams that maintains a strong safety profile. With an overall crime rate of 77.4 per 1,000 people, it is notably safer than the UK national average of 93.1. This is further supported by its safety score of 83/100, which sits comfortably above the UK average of 78. Most encouragingly, the crime trend in Totnes is significantly decreasing, with a 14.8% reduction in total offences over the past year. Property crime is recorded at 29.9 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported issues, the sharp downward trend in overall crime makes Totnes an increasingly secure place for its residents and visitors.

Crime Breakdown in Totnes

The most significant crime category in Totnes is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 33.2% of all reported incidents (234 cases). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.5% (102 crimes) and shoplifting at 13.2% (93 crimes). These figures indicate that social conduct and retail-related theft are the primary areas of focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Totnes, which includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and other forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 29.9 per 1,000 people. This is close to the UK average of 32.9, reflecting a higher volume of acquisitive crime than in many other similar-sized towns. Within this group, criminal damage and arson make up 11.5% of total crime, while burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low at 2.0% and 2.7% respectively. For residents and business owners, the data suggests that while the risk of home invasion is low, opportunistic theft—particularly in the retail sector—is a more common issue. The high rate of theft in the afternoon (52%) further emphasises the need for vigilance during peak business hours.

Crime Trends in Totnes

Totnes has seen a significant and positive shift in its safety profile, with a 14.8% decrease in total crime over the past 12 months. Monthly data from the last year shows a generally downward trend, despite some seasonal variations. The year began with a rate of 5.8 per 1,000 in November 2024, rising to a peak of 7.4 in February 2025.

Following this early peak, crime rates dropped significantly in the spring, with March recording a rate of 5.0. There was a notable spike in July 2025, where the rate reached 9.6 per 1,000 people—the highest point of the year—likely due to increased summer tourism and local events. However, this was followed by a return to lower levels, with the year ending at 6.7 in October. This overall reduction of nearly 15% is a strong indicator that Totnes is becoming a safer community, with crime levels consistently trending below the previous year's figures.

How To Keep Safe in Totnes

The most common crime type in Totnes is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the overall trend is decreasing, personal safety in the town centre, particularly during the evening, remains important.

To enhance your safety, try to stay in well-lit areas when walking at night and plan your journey home in advance. Shoplifting is also a significant concern at 13.2% of total crime; business owners should ensure they have clear CCTV and that staff are vigilant during the busy afternoon hours when theft peaks at 52%. For vehicle owners, the high percentage of night-time vehicle crime (27%) means that parking in a well-lit driveway or using a steering lock can be an effective deterrent. Homeowners should also be aware that 12% of night-time crimes are burglaries; ensuring that all doors and windows are securely locked and that your home appears occupied can go a long way in preventing opportunistic theft. Engaging with local community groups can also help you stay informed about any recent activity in your neighbourhood.

Crime Timing in Totnes

The distribution of crime in Totnes varies significantly throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 47% and 52% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes, including shoplifting, are most likely to occur during the town's active commercial hours. Burglary also shows a presence in the afternoon (10%) when residents are often away from home.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' categories, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which peak at 62% in the evening. Night-time (12am - 6am) is particularly significant for vehicle crime, which accounts for 27% of all crimes during these hours, and burglary, which rises to 12%. These patterns indicate that while daytime security should focus on preventing retail and opportunistic theft, night-time security must prioritise vehicle and home perimeter protection against more targeted property offences.

Totnes serves as a busy commercial and cultural centre within a very safe rural region. Its crime rate of 77.4 is higher than the nearby village of Dartington (43.4) and the quiet settlement of Stoke Gabriel (27.2), reflecting its larger population and active town centre. The surrounding hamlets of Broadhempston and Collaton St Mary recorded 0.0 crimes, which is typical for very small, isolated communities. For those seeking a balance of amenities and safety, Totnes compares favourably with other major towns in South Devon, offering a more secure environment than many larger urban centres while remaining a bustling hub for its smaller neighbouring villages.

Proactive Security in Totnes

While Totnes is seeing a significant 14.8% decrease in overall crime, the property crime rate of 29.9 per 1,000 people remains close to the national average. Specifically, vehicle crime accounts for 27% of night-time incidents, and burglary peaks overnight. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive—they only provide footage or sound an alert after a crime has already been attempted. For homeowners who want to ensure their property remains safe during this positive downward trend, a more preventative approach is essential.

scOS provides proactive protection by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. Unlike traditional systems, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, only alerting you when a genuine threat is detected. If someone is identified lurking near your vehicle or home at night, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This immediate intervention can stop a crime before it happens, ensuring that the 27% of night-time vehicle crimes in Totnes are prevented rather than just recorded. This offers a significantly higher level of security for your family and assets.