Dawlish Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dawlish's crime rate in August 2025 stood at 8.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 9.9% above the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 47.6% of all reported incidents — a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed at 14.3%, while criminal damage and arson made up 9.5% of cases. These patterns are consistent with Dawlish's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity, where summer holidays can amplify certain types of crime. The seasonal context of August — a peak holiday month — likely contributes to the 46% above-average rate of violence and sexual offences, as transient populations may interact differently with local communities. However, the area's overall crime rate remains lower than major urban centres, suggesting that while specific issues persist, the broader crime profile remains manageable. The breakdown also reveals a sharp contrast between property crimes (26 incidents) and violent crimes (50 incidents), with the latter making up nearly two-thirds of the total. This imbalance may reflect the town's limited commercial infrastructure compared to larger cities, where property crime is often more prevalent. The seasonal increase in empty homes during August could also explain the 36% above-average rate of criminal damage and arson, as unoccupied properties may be more vulnerable to vandalism. While direct causal links, these patterns are consistent with the area's geography and the rhythms of its local economy.

August 2025 saw a dramatic 500% increase in 'other crime' — the largest month-on-month swing — rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 200% rise in drugs-related offences, suggests a shift in criminal activity that may be influenced by increased tourism or seasonal social patterns. Conversely, burglary dropped by 92.9% (from 14 to 1), potentially due to the peak holiday season reducing the number of occupied homes. Violent crime remained high, with 50 cases recorded — 46% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 11% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Dawlish's character as a relatively quiet coastal town. The sharp 75% decline in vehicle crime, from 4 to 1, may reflect reduced traffic congestion during August. For residents, the 500% spike in 'other crime' — which includes unclassified or complex offences — may warrant additional caution in public spaces.

Dawlish's crime rate in August 2025 fell by 17.3% compared to July 2025, dropping from 10.7 to 8.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a seasonal shift as August typically sees fewer local residents and more transient visitors, potentially altering crime dynamics. On a daily basis, 3 crimes were reported per day in August, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, reflects the area's relatively low baseline compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 113 residents — a monthly exposure rate that remains below the threshold where local authorities typically consider intervention. This statistic, when contextualised against Dawlish's population of 11,870, suggests that while crime is present, it remains a manageable proportion of daily life for most residents. The drop in burglary (from 14 to 1) and public order offences (from 9 to 2) may be linked to the area's seasonal rhythms, with fewer locals and more transient visitors during the summer holidays. However, the rise in 'other crime' and drugs-related incidents highlights a shift in the types of offences being recorded, warranting closer attention to emerging patterns.