Dawlish Crime Rate

For those living in or considering Dawlish, understanding local crime statistics is vital. Dawlish reports an overall crime rate of 85.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions the area as slightly safer than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a safety score of 79 out of 100, Dawlish also fares better than the national average of 78. However, the latest data indicates an increasing trend, with total crimes rising by 12.0% year-over-year. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed examination of crime patterns and safety in Dawlish.

Crime Breakdown in Dawlish

In Dawlish, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 43.2% of all incidents, with 439 crimes reported (37.0 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour follows, representing 16.8% of the total with 171 crimes (14.4 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson completes the top three categories, making up 9.2% of crimes with 94 incidents (7.9 per 1,000). These statistics highlight the primary areas of concern within the community.

Property-related crime in Dawlish, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 25.3 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures include 31 burglaries (2.6 per 1,000), 26 vehicle crimes (2.2 per 1,000), and 48 other thefts (4.0 per 1,000). While lower than the national average, these figures still underscore the importance of robust security measures for both residents and businesses to protect their assets.

Crime Trends in Dawlish

Dawlish has experienced an increasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a 12.0% rise year-over-year. This upward movement is evident in the monthly crime rate data. The crime rate per 1,000 residents showed fluctuations, starting at 7.2 in October 2024 and dipping to 6.1 in December 2024. A significant spike occurred in January 2025, reaching 8.9, before falling in February and March. However, the rate rose again, peaking at 10.7 in July 2025. This pattern indicates a period of elevated crime activity over the past year, suggesting a need for continued awareness among residents.

Crime Time Patterns in Dawlish

Crime patterns in Dawlish show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a significant proportion of theft (42%) and other crimes (39%), with burglary also present at 11%. This suggests opportunistic crimes occurring as residents leave for work and businesses open. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains high at 44%, alongside an increased burglary rate of 18%, indicating continued daytime vulnerability.

As the evening approaches (6pm-12am), the landscape shifts considerably. Theft drops to 17%, while 'Other' crime surges to 59%, likely encompassing a broader range of incidents as social activities increase. Vehicle crime also registers at 9%. During the night (12am-6am), burglary peaks at 21% and vehicle crime at 24%, reflecting periods when properties are unattended or less actively monitored. Other crimes also remain high at 46%, suggesting a mix of late-night incidents.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Dawlish's crime rate of 85.6 per 1,000 people with adjacent built-up areas provides valuable local context. Dawlish has a higher crime rate than Dawlish Warren, Holcombe (Teignbridge), Cockwood, and Starcross, which are generally smaller and less densely populated settlements. This suggests that as a larger coastal town, Dawlish experiences a higher volume of incidents. This comparison helps residents understand Dawlish's position within its immediate vicinity, indicating that while it is a central hub, its figures are higher than its very rural surroundings.

Protecting Your Property in Dawlish

With Dawlish's property crime rate at 25.3 per 1,000 people per year, proactive security measures are a prudent consideration for residents and businesses. While reactive systems like traditional CCTV merely record a burglary, true protection lies in prevention. Most burglars decide on a target within 60 seconds; a visibly secure property with advanced deterrence can often make them move on before any attempt is made.

Consider solutions that offer AI-powered proactive protection, detecting threats at your property boundary rather than after a break-in. Unlike basic DIY systems that alert you after the fact, professional-grade security can intervene in real-time, using features like activated lights or engaging speakers to disrupt an intruder's plans. This approach helps to destroy the element of surprise, a key factor for criminals. Investing in such professional security not only deters potential threats but also provides a greater sense of safety, transforming how you protect your property against the backdrop of local crime statistics.