Dawlish Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dawlish's crime rate in August 2023 stood at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 65.4% below the UK average of 8.1. This stark contrast highlights the area's relative safety, though the breakdown of crime types reveals a complex picture. Anti-social behaviour remained the most frequently reported category, accounting for 33.3% of all incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (30.3%) and other theft (12.1%). These figures align with the seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month when tourism typically increases. The presence of empty homes during this period may contribute to heightened burglary risks. The area's low crime rate is consistent with its status as a coastal town within Teignbridge, where tourism and residential stability likely play a role in maintaining order. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime and bicycle theft—both doubling compared to July—suggests localized challenges that may require closer examination. These increases, while modest in scale, could be influenced by factors such as increased visitor traffic or changes in local activity patterns. The overall low crime rate, combined with the UK's significantly higher average, underscores Dawlish's position as an area with a markedly safer profile, though targeted efforts may still be needed to address emerging trends.

August 2023 marked a sharp reversal in vehicle crime, with incidents doubling from zero to two compared to July—a 100% increase. This spike, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with the 40% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from five to three. The most significant shift came in bicycle theft, which also doubled to two incidents, a 100% increase. This category, however, remains 122% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may reflect Dawlish's proximity to cycling routes or recreational areas. Anti-social behaviour, the most common category, rose by 10% to 11 incidents, though it remains 37% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. Violent crimes, meanwhile, fell by 28.6% from 14 to 10, a decline that may be linked to seasonal factors or local initiatives. These swings, though modest in scale, highlight the uneven nature of crime trends and the need for nuanced analysis of specific categories.

Dawlish's crime rate in August 2023 fell by 17.5% compared to July 2023, dropping from 3.4 to 2.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline reflects a broader trend in local crime statistics, though the pace of reduction varied across categories. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one reported crime per day in August, a figure that may appear modest but translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 360 residents. This ratio, while low, underscores the relatively safe environment in Dawlish compared to national averages. The population context further highlights the scale: with 11,870 residents, the 33 total crimes reported represent a manageable burden for local policing resources. However, the drop in some categories, such as criminal damage and arson (-40%), contrasts with increases in vehicle crime and bicycle theft (+100% each), suggesting shifting patterns that may require targeted attention. These fluctuations, while not statistically significant in isolation, warrant careful monitoring as they could indicate evolving local dynamics.