Totnes Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Totnes’ crime profile in April 2023, accounting for 27.3% of reported incidents. The area’s overall crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents is 68% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a stark contrast reflecting Totnes’ character as a built-up area within South Hams. This rural-adjacent market town, with its low population density and community-focused environment, likely contributes to its significantly lower crime rates compared to larger urban centres. The breakdown shows anti-social behaviour and other theft as the next most common categories, each contributing 18.2% of total crimes. Seasonal factors in April—such as the Easter holiday period and the transition to warmer spring weather—may partly explain the patterns observed. Increased outdoor activity during this time could influence the prevalence of violent incidents, though Totnes’ crime statistics remain consistently low. The area’s relatively small size, combined with its proximity to natural landscapes and limited commercial density, may further explain the subdued levels of property crimes compared to UK averages. These figures suggest a community where crime is rare but not entirely absent, with local policing and community engagement likely playing a role in maintaining safety.

April 2023 saw a 62.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 16 incidents in March to 6. This sharp decline aligns with the Easter holiday period, which typically sees reduced public activity and fewer opportunities for such crimes. Similarly, criminal damage and arson, and public order offences each dropped by 50%, reflecting a broader trend of reduced incidents in the built-up area. These decreases are particularly significant when compared to UK averages: violence and sexual offences in Totnes were 73% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour was 66% below. The crime mix in Totnes also shows a notable balance between violent and property crimes, with property crimes (10 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (6). However, the overall rate remains far below the UK average, highlighting Totnes’ unique position as a low-crime area. For residents, the 50% drop in public order offences—such as anti-social behaviour—may indicate a positive shift in community dynamics or increased local enforcement during the Easter period. These statistics underscore the area’s ability to manage crime effectively, even as seasonal fluctuations influence specific categories.

Totnes’ crime rate in April 2023 (2.4 per 1,000) marked a 50% decline from the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000, illustrating a significant improvement in local safety metrics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the month, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 9,089 residents. This translates to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for roughly every 413 residents—a statistic that underscores the rarity of crime in Totnes compared to larger urban areas. The 68% gap between Totnes’ rate and the UK average (7.5 per 1,000) highlights the area’s distinctiveness, with its built-up character within a rural district likely contributing to this divergence. For context, the previous month’s rate was more than double the April figure, suggesting a possible seasonal or situational factor influencing crime trends. Residents living in Totnes are thus far less likely to encounter crime than those in average UK areas, a contrast that may be attributed to the town’s community-oriented environment, limited commercial density, and proximity to natural spaces. These comparisons reinforce Totnes’ position as a safer, lower-crime locality within the UK’s broader crime profile.