Dawlish Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dawlish's crime rate in January 2025 stood at 8.9 per 1,000 residents, 25.4% above the UK average. This marks a significant departure from the national trend, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 47.2% of all reported crimes—50 incidents in total. These violent crimes, at 4.2 per 1,000, are 67% above the UK average, suggesting local factors may be amplifying this category. Shoplifting, the second most common offence, rose sharply to 17 incidents, 126% above the UK average. This could be linked to the post-holiday period, where reduced retail footfall and shorter days may have created opportunities for offenders. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson reached 11 incidents, 76% above the UK average, indicating persistent issues in public spaces. Seasonal context plays a role: January's shorter days and colder weather may have driven some activities indoors, yet the sharp rise in violent crime contradicts this, pointing to other dynamics such as increased social tensions or underreporting in previous months. The data also reveals a mixed picture for property crimes, with shoplifting and criminal damage rising sharply, while vehicle crime and burglary remain below UK averages. This complexity underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in retail and public spaces, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour have shown stark fluctuations. The overall picture suggests that while Dawlish's crime rate is elevated compared to the UK, the distribution of offences reflects unique local conditions that require further analysis.

The most striking increase in January 2025 was shoplifting, which rose 240% to 17 incidents—126% above the UK average. This surge may reflect post-holiday retail activity or shifts in offender behaviour during the winter season. Concurrently, vehicle crime doubled from zero to three incidents, a 100% increase, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in local parking areas or vehicle security practices. Public order offences also doubled to six incidents, likely tied to the short winter days and reduced outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour fell by 46.2% to seven incidents, 39% below the UK average, indicating possible improvements in community policing or local initiatives. These fluctuations highlight the need for residents to remain vigilant, particularly in retail zones and parking areas, where shoplifting and vehicle crime have risen sharply. The contrast between rising property crimes and falling anti-social behaviour underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics.

Dawlish's crime rate in January 2025 rose to 8.9 per 1,000 residents, a 47.1% increase from the previous month's 6.1 per 1,000. This places the area significantly above the UK average, but the shift in crime patterns reveals nuanced local trends. Daily crime counts averaged three incidents per day, highlighting the persistent nature of reported offences. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. While the overall rate is higher than the UK average, certain categories—such as anti-social behaviour—fell 39% below the national average. This contrast suggests that specific local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may be influencing some crime types. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting and violent crimes indicates areas requiring targeted attention. The population-scaled perspective shows that while Dawlish's crime rate is elevated, the distribution of offences differs from national trends, pointing to the need for tailored responses.