Totnes Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Criminal damage and arson dominate Totnes' crime profile in April 2024, accounting for 21% of all reported incidents. With a crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents — 42.9% above the UK average — the built-up area within South Hams faces a starkly elevated risk profile. This surge in property-related offences, particularly deliberate damage to buildings and vehicles, aligns with the town's historic architectural character, where heritage sites and commercial premises may present unique vulnerabilities. The seasonal shift into spring, coupled with Easter-related activity, likely contributes to increased outdoor presence and associated risks. Violent crimes, while proportionally lower than property offences, remain significant, with 21 incidents reported — a 10% deficit compared to the UK average for violence and sexual offences. The town's mix of residential and commercial spaces, combined with its status as a market town with a growing population, appears to create conditions where both anti-social behaviour and targeted thefts can flourish. Shoplifting — though a small share of total crime — shows a 200% month-on-month increase, suggesting potential links to retail activity during the Easter period. These patterns underscore the need for targeted policing strategies that balance community engagement with enforcement in high-risk areas.

April 2024 saw unprecedented spikes in shoplifting (+200%) and criminal damage and arson (+110%) compared to March, with the latter category now 290% above the UK average. This surge in property crimes contrasts with a 10% deficit in violence and sexual offences relative to national rates, highlighting a shift in crime mix toward non-violent but impactful offences. The rise in vehicle crime (+100%) to 7 incidents, while still below the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), warrants attention given Totnes' reliance on road transport for commerce and tourism. Anti-social behaviour, at 16 incidents (48% above the UK average), appears concentrated in public spaces, potentially linked to the town's compact urban layout and increased foot traffic during spring. Residents should note that shoplifting incidents — though numerically small — have more than doubled, suggesting heightened scrutiny of retail areas during the Easter holiday period. This data illustrates a town grappling with seasonal pressures while maintaining relatively low levels of violent crime compared to the national average.

Totnes' crime rate in April 2024 (11.0 per 1,000) marks a 53.8% increase from March's 7.2 per 1,000, reflecting a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, the town experiences approximately 3 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent nature of local crime despite its relatively small population of 9,089 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, remains manageable in a low-density built-up area. This context is critical for residents assessing risk: while Totnes' crime rate is elevated compared to the national average, the absolute number of incidents (100 total) is proportionally modest given the town's size. The previous month's rate (7.2 per 1,000) provides a useful benchmark, showing that the current figures represent a marked departure from recent trends. This shift may be influenced by Totnes' unique characteristics as a market town with a mix of historic buildings and modern infrastructure, creating environments where both targeted crimes and opportunistic acts can occur. The data also reveals that certain offence categories — criminal damage and arson — are prevalent, suggesting specific vulnerabilities that may require tailored community responses.