Totnes Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Totnes, the crime rate in September 2023 translates to a 0.55% chance of experiencing a crime annually, significantly lower than the UK average of 0.8%. With 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, Totnes remains one of the safest areas in the country, 31.2% below the national rate. The most common offences were anti-social behaviour (30% of all crimes), violence and sexual offences (24%), and other theft (12%). These figures align with Totnes' character as a small, tightly-knit built-up area within the South Hams, where community cohesion and limited commercial density may contribute to lower violent crime rates. However, the prominence of anti-social behaviour suggests challenges in managing public spaces and social interactions, particularly during the back-to-school period. Seasonal factors in September—such as the return of students to local schools and universities, combined with shorter daylight hours—likely influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The low rate of shoplifting (82% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (79% below) may be attributed to Totnes' compact nature, which limits opportunities for such crimes compared to larger urban areas. While the area's overall safety is evident, the specific crime types highlight the need for targeted community engagement and environmental design strategies to address local challenges effectively.

September 2023 saw a sharp 400% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This spike, while statistically significant, may be linked to seasonal factors such as the transition to darker evenings and increased community activity around local events. Public order offences also surged by 300%, moving from 1 to 4 cases, a trend that could reflect heightened social interactions during the back-to-school period. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 28.6%, dropping from 21 to 15 incidents—a decline that might be attributed to local initiatives or seasonal shifts in community behaviour. Totnes' violent crime rate (1.3 per 1,000) is 53% below the UK average, suggesting that the area's social fabric and community engagement strategies may be playing a role in mitigating more severe offences. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Totnes and the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive policing approaches.

Totnes' crime rate in September 2023 rose slightly to 5.5 per 1,000 residents from 5.3 per 1,000 in August, marking a 4.2% increase. While this shift is modest, it reflects broader trends in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the month, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 182 residents during September. This monthly exposure rate places Totnes in a context where residents are statistically less likely to encounter crime than the UK average, yet the slight upward trend suggests ongoing vigilance is necessary. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the increase, Totnes remains significantly safer than the national average, with its crime rate 31.2% below the UK's 8.0 per 1,000. This contrast underscores the area's unique characteristics, such as its compact built-up environment and lower population density, which may contribute to lower crime levels compared to larger urban centres. However, the rise in specific categories like public order offences and criminal damage indicates areas requiring targeted attention.