Totnes Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 9,089 residents, Totnes recorded 39 crimes in October 2023, translating to 4.3 crimes per 1,000 people. This rate is 46.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crime type was other theft, accounting for 25.6% of all reported incidents (10 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.5%) and violence and sexual offences (18.0%). These figures align with Totnes’ character as a relatively small, low-density built-up area within South Hams, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. Seasonal factors in October, such as darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, could influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and theft. Property crimes dominated the breakdown, with 17 incidents reported—over twice the number of violent crimes. The relatively low rate of violent crime (0.8 per 1,000) is consistent with Totnes’ broader demographic profile, which includes a significant proportion of older residents and fewer high-density housing areas compared to larger urban centres. The absence of major retail or nightlife hubs likely reduces exposure to crimes such as burglary or assault, though this remains a hypothesis requiring further data analysis.

October 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting, vehicle crime, and 'other crime' each increasing by 100% compared to September. This rise in shoplifting—now the most common category—may reflect heightened activity during the Halloween period, though no direct correlation can be confirmed. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 60% (from 5 to 2 cases), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity or increased community vigilance. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 46.7%, from 15 to 8 cases, which could be attributed to the transition from autumn to winter, with fewer outdoor events or gatherings. Totnes’ other theft rate (1.1 per 1,000) is 77% above the UK average for this category, a striking discrepancy that may relate to the town’s unique economic profile, such as the presence of independent retail stores or niche markets that could be targeted differently than in larger urban areas. Meanwhile, the town’s rate of violence and sexual offences (0.8 per 1,000) is 70% below the UK average, a figure that aligns with the area’s demographic and geographic characteristics, including lower population density and fewer alcohol-serving venues compared to comparable towns.

Totnes’ crime rate in October 2023 (4.3 per 1,000) represents a 22.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000, illustrating a short-term downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that places Totnes among the safest built-up areas in the UK. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 233 residents underscores the rarity of criminal incidents in this community. This statistic is particularly striking when compared to the UK average, where residents face significantly higher exposure rates for most crime categories. The low crime density in Totnes may be attributed to its compact size, strong local policing presence, and the absence of major infrastructure that typically correlates with higher crime rates in larger towns. For residents, these figures suggest a relatively secure environment, though the 100% increase in shoplifting and vehicle crime highlights the need for vigilance during specific times of the month. The comparison also reveals that Totnes’ performance in categories such as anti-social behaviour and violence is consistently below the UK average, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a low-crime community with distinct local characteristics.