Totnes Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw Totnes record a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.7% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This marked the third consecutive month of decline, with the overall rate falling by 15.9% compared to October. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (30.2% of total incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (20.8%). While the area's violent crime rate was 30% below the UK average, the property crime category showed mixed results: shoplifting and public order offences were slightly above national levels, but burglary and vehicle crime remained significantly lower. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with Bonfire Night potentially contributing to the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson (111% above UK average). The area's compact, historic built-up environment—characterised by a mix of independent retail, residential streets, and rural surroundings—may explain its lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to larger urban centres. However, the unexpected doubling of theft from the person raises questions about the impact of Black Friday shopping activity in the town centre, where foot traffic typically surges during November. The overall crime profile remains consistent with Totnes' long-term trend of being a relatively safe area, though the shift in theft patterns highlights the need for targeted local measures to address emerging vulnerabilities.

The most striking movement was the doubling of theft from the person, rising from zero to two incidents—a 100% increase. This category, typically low in Totnes, may reflect the impact of Black Friday shopping activity or increased foot traffic in the town centre during November. Bicycle theft also saw a 100% increase, though from a single incident, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in local bike storage solutions. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell sharply by 77.8% (from nine to two incidents), possibly linked to reduced public gatherings as the month progressed. Vehicle crime dropped by two-thirds (from three to one), a trend consistent with the area's generally low rate of such offences (77% below UK average). The most significant UK comparison anomaly was criminal damage and arson, which was 111% above the national average (1.2 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This could be attributed to Totnes' historic buildings and the seasonal impact of Bonfire Night events. For residents, the low rate of vehicle crime (1 per 1,000) remains a key safety advantage compared to other UK areas.

Totnes' crime rate in November 2024 (5.8 per 1,000 residents) marked a 15.9% decrease from the previous month's 6.9 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. This reduction aligns with the built-up area's generally low crime profile, which has consistently fallen below the UK average for several years. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported across Totnes' 9,089 residents, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 171 residents. This rate remains lower than the UK average, which stood at 7.6 per 1,000 for the same period. The area's compact nature—characterised by a mix of historic town centre retail, residential zones, and rural edges—likely contributes to its lower crime density. While seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic during November may play a role, the sustained decline suggests broader systemic factors, such as effective local policing or community engagement initiatives, are at work. The low rate of vehicle crime (77% below UK average) further underscores the area's distinctiveness compared to larger urban centres.