Totnes Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Totnes' crime rate in August 2023 stood at 5.3 per 1,000, 34.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while relatively low, reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 43.8% of total incidents — a rate 60% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be tied to Totnes' status as a tourist destination, where transient populations and increased foot traffic during the summer months could contribute to higher reports of disorder. Violent crime and sexual offences were 58% below the UK average, reflecting the area's smaller, more cohesive community structure. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, aligns with the 83% reduction in shoplifting and public order offences compared to the UK average — a trend consistent with fewer commercial premises being unoccupied during this period. However, the 200% rise in drug-related offences and the 100% increase in bicycle theft suggest emerging challenges that may require targeted local responses. These patterns, while not indicative of widespread disorder, highlight the need for continued monitoring of transient population impacts on Totnes' crime profile.

August 2023 saw a 200% increase in drug-related offences, rising from 1 to 3, and a 100% spike in bicycle theft, with one reported incident. These rises, coupled with a 100% jump in 'other crime' — a category encompassing unclassified incidents — indicate shifting patterns in local criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour, the most common crime type, remains 60% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased foot traffic during the summer tourist season. Conversely, violent crime and sexual offences fell 58% below the UK average, suggesting Totnes' built-up area maintains lower rates of interpersonal violence compared to national trends. Residents should note that while overall crime is low, the surge in drug-related incidents and property crimes like bicycle theft may reflect transient population pressures during peak holiday periods.

Totnes' crime rate in August 2023 rose 29.7% compared to July's 4.1 per 1,000, reaching 5.3 per 1,000 — still 34.6% below the UK average. This increase, though modest, translates to 2 crimes reported daily on average, a figure that may feel more frequent during peak tourist hours. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents, a rate that, while lower than the UK's overall average, warrants awareness of local patterns. The population-scaled perspective shows that Totnes remains a relatively safe area, but the uptick in specific crime types, such as anti-social behaviour and drugs, suggests localized pressures that could shift further without targeted intervention. The daily crime count, though low, highlights the importance of community vigilance during August's heightened tourism activity.