Dawlish Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw an unexpected spike in shoplifting, rising from one incident to five—a 400% increase—despite the overall crime rate remaining 11.7% below the UK average. This anomaly contrasts with the broader trend of lower-than-average violent crime, which accounted for 44.4% of all reported incidents, and anti-social behaviour, which made up 21.0% of total crimes. The area’s crime profile reflects a mix of seasonal and local factors, with the Easter period and spring weather likely contributing to increased outdoor activity and retail interactions. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, remained 17% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in managing public safety in Dawlish’s built-up area. Conversely, shoplifting’s sharp rise appears to diverge from its usual 40% below the UK average, hinting at possible shifts in retail patterns or unmet security measures. The relatively low property crime rate—20 incidents, or 2.5% of total crimes—may reflect effective local initiatives or the area’s compact, high-density layout, which could deter certain types of property-related offences. As the month progressed, the balance between violent and property crimes shifted slightly, with violent crimes dominating the breakdown, though this was partially offset by a 46% reduction in other theft compared to the UK average. The seasonal context of April, marked by Easter and the transition to warmer weather, likely influenced the mix of crimes, with increased foot traffic in retail areas fueling shoplifting incidents. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the dramatic rise in shoplifting underscores the need for targeted interventions in specific sectors.

April 2024 marked a stark contrast in crime trends, with shoplifting surging by 400% from one incident in March to five, a figure that defies the usual 40% below the UK average. This surge, combined with a 200% increase in drug-related crimes (from two to six), highlights an unusual spike in certain categories. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 5.6% (from 18 to 17), and other theft dropped by 42.9% (from seven to four), suggesting a combination of local dynamics. The drug-related crime rate in Dawlish—0.5 per 1,000—was 150% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, raising questions about local factors contributing to this discrepancy. The area’s violent crime rate—3.0 per 1,000—remained 17% above the UK average, despite the overall crime rate being lower nationally. For residents, the 3 crimes per day figure (based on 81 total incidents) provides a tangible sense of monthly exposure, though the variation in specific crime types underscores the need for nuanced analysis. The sharp rise in shoplifting, in particular, may warrant closer attention from local retailers and authorities, given its significant deviation from historical patterns.

Dawlish’s crime rate in April 2024 (6.8 per 1,000) represented a 20.9% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. This monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 147 residents over the course of the month, a figure that, while lower than the UK average, highlights the area’s relative safety in a broader context. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day, a number that, when considered alongside the population of 11,870, suggests a manageable level of activity for a built-up area. However, the 20.9% month-on-month rise indicates a shift that may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during the Easter period or changes in local events. The UK average of 7.7 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark, but the specific dynamics of Dawlish—its compact nature, proximity to Teignbridge, and the mix of residential and retail spaces—mean that local patterns can diverge significantly. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the sharp increase in shoplifting and drug-related crimes underscores the importance of localized strategies to address emerging trends. Residents may find the 1-in-147 resident figure a useful way to contextualize their risk, though the variation in crime types between months necessitates ongoing monitoring.