Totnes Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Totnes, a built-up area within South Hams, recorded a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, placing it 37.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This relatively low rate reflects the area’s character as a smaller, largely rural-adjacent community with a mix of residential and commercial activity. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.2% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (27.9%), and other theft (16.3%). These figures align with patterns typical of areas with a strong retail presence, though Totnes’ lower rates suggest effective community policing or social cohesion. Seasonal factors, such as the darker evenings of November and the proximity to Bonfire Night, may have influenced the increase in criminal damage and arson, though this remains a small portion of overall crime. Conversely, the area’s violence and sexual offences rate was lower than the UK average, potentially reflecting the community’s relatively low population density and strong social networks. The UK comparison highlights Totnes’ position as a safer area compared to national benchmarks, though the rise in anti-social behaviour above the UK average indicates ongoing challenges in managing local tensions. These data points illustrate the combination of geographic context and seasonal events in shaping crime patterns, requiring a nuanced approach to local crime prevention strategies.

November 2023 saw a 150% increase in criminal damage and arson, with incidents rising from 2 to 5. This sharp rise, though still a small absolute number, may be linked to seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night, which typically sees spikes in pyrotechnic-related incidents. Possession of weapons and theft from the person both doubled from zero to one occurrence, suggesting isolated but notable events. In contrast, other crime fell by 50%, and public order offences dropped by 33.3%, potentially reflecting quieter community activity or increased local policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences remained well below the UK average, at 46% lower than the national rate of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 24% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent local challenge. These shifts underscore the importance of monitoring specific crime categories, as they can indicate underlying trends or localized pressures that require targeted responses.

Totnes recorded a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, a 10.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000. This rise, though modest, suggests a slight uptick in local activity. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day, reflecting a low but consistent level of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 211 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to national statistics, offers residents a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The population of 9,089 means that each resident is statistically less likely to be directly affected than in more densely populated areas, though local factors such as seasonal events or community dynamics may still influence crime patterns. The shift from October to November also aligns with typical seasonal trends, such as darker evenings and holiday-related activity, which may contribute to minor fluctuations in reported incidents.