Dawlish Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dawlish's crime rate for August 2024 stood at 10.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.6% above the UK average of 8.2. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Teignbridge, which has long grappled with higher-than-average criminal activity. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (36.9% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.3%) and criminal damage and arson (13.1%). These patterns align with Dawlish's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist areas, where seasonal fluctuations in population and activity may influence crime trends. August, a peak holiday month, saw increased tourism and the temporary absence of residents from holiday homes, factors that could contribute to heightened opportunities for certain offences. Violence and sexual offences in Dawlish (3.8 per 1,000) are 41% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (2.2 per 1,000) is 53% above. These disparities may reflect the area's proximity to recreational spaces and the challenges of managing public order during high-traffic periods. Meanwhile, shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) is 44% below the UK average, suggesting that local retail environments may be more secure or less targeted than national trends indicate. The interplay of these factors paints a nuanced picture of Dawlish's crime profile, shaped by both its geography and the rhythms of seasonal activity.

August 2024 marked a dramatic shift in specific crime categories, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both surging by 150% month-on-month, rising from two to five incidents each. This sharp increase may be linked to the influx of tourists during the summer holidays, which could create more opportunities for opportunistic theft. Burglary also saw a 100% rise, jumping from zero to three incidents, a spike that could be attributed to the temporary vacating of holiday homes, a common phenomenon in coastal areas during peak season. These trends contrast with other categories that remained below the UK average, such as shoplifting (44% below) and vehicle crime (11% below). The most significant disparity remains in violent crime, where Dawlish's rate of 3.8 per 1,000 is 41% above the UK average of 2.7. This discrepancy may reflect the area's social dynamics, including the concentration of younger populations in certain neighbourhoods or the pressures of managing public spaces during high-traffic periods. For residents, the surge in shoplifting highlights the need for heightened vigilance in retail areas, particularly during the summer months when footfall increases. Such data provides a clear snapshot of how specific crime trends can shift rapidly in response to seasonal and demographic factors.

Dawlish's crime rate in August 2024 rose by 29.8% compared to the previous month, climbing from 7.9 to 10.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase translates to an average of four crimes reported each day, a figure that, while local to Dawlish, illustrates the intensity of criminal activity within a relatively small population of 11,870. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 97 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to national figures, underscores the frequency of incidents in a compact built-up area. The population context is crucial here: with fewer residents per square mile than larger urban centres, Dawlish's crime rate is amplified by the concentration of activity in its core areas. This density may contribute to the higher-than-average rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, which are concentrated in town centres and public spaces. While the UK average provides a benchmark, Dawlish's unique demographic profile—characterised by a mix of permanent residents and transient visitors—means that local crime patterns often deviate from national trends. Understanding this context is essential for residents and local authorities seeking to address the specific challenges of maintaining safety in a coastal town with fluctuating population dynamics.