The question of why violence and sexual offences appear prevalent in Dawlish is understandable, and it's important to address this with the available data. While the perception of high crime can be unsettling, a closer look at the figures reveals a nuanced picture. Dawlish, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Teignbridge, has a population of 11,870. Its overall crime rate currently stands at 87.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. For context, the UK national average is 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests Dawlish's crime rate is, in fact, slightly below the national average.
However, focusing specifically on violence and sexual offences is key to understanding the concern. While specific breakdowns of these categories are not detailed in the provided data, the overall safety score for Dawlish is 78 out of 100. The UK national average safety score is 79. This difference, combined with the perception of high levels of violence and sexual offences, may contribute to the feeling of prevalence. It's important to remember that safety scores are subjective and influenced by various factors beyond just crime statistics, such as perceptions of safety and community cohesion.
It's crucial to acknowledge that any level of violence and sexual offences is unacceptable. The lower crime rate compared to the national average doesn’t diminish the impact on victims and the importance of addressing these issues. It is likely that local reporting practices, community awareness campaigns, and police resource allocation all play a role in shaping both the reported crime figures and the community's perception of safety. To gain a more detailed understanding of the specific types of crime occurring and any trends, consulting Teignbridge Council's crime statistics and engaging with local police services would be beneficial. Further investigation into the specific categories contributing to the safety score would also provide a more comprehensive view.