Dawlish Crime Rate March 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 11,870 residents, March 2025 saw 63 reported crimes in Dawlish, translating to a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 people. This figure places the built-up area 32.1% below the UK average of 7.8 per 1,000 residents, marking one of the most significant gaps in the region. The crime profile reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences dominated with 30 incidents (47.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (12 cases) and criminal damage and arson (8 cases). This mix suggests a combination of social dynamics and environmental factors, with the area’s compact built-up nature likely amplifying interactions that lead to such incidents. Seasonally, March’s transition to spring—with evenings lengthening and clocks moving forward—may have influenced activity patterns. The relatively low property crime rate (17 incidents) contrasts with the higher violent crime numbers, a balance that diverges from typical urban crime profiles where property offences often dominate. Shoplifting fell by 37.5% compared to February, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in retail activity or temporary reductions in foot traffic around the area’s commercial hubs.

March 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Burglary and theft from the person both rose by 100% from February, with one incident each recorded in the month—marking a stark contrast to the previous month’s zero occurrences. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 71.4%, increasing from seven to 12 cases, potentially linked to changes in community activity or enforcement priorities. Conversely, public order offences dropped by two-thirds (from six to two), which may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced alcohol-related incidents as weather improved. Shoplifting fell by 37.5% (from eight to five cases), a decline that could align with the start of spring, when retail foot traffic might shift toward seasonal shopping patterns rather than impulsive purchases. The breakdown also reveals that violence and sexual offences remain below the UK average (2.5 per 1,000 vs 2.7 per 1,000), while criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000) sit 23% above the national rate. This divergence highlights the area’s unique challenges, with property-related crimes like burglary and theft from the person being far below UK averages (64% and 41% respectively). These figures suggest that while violent crime remains a priority, the local context may involve factors such as community cohesion or local policing strategies that mitigate property crime more effectively than the national average.

The crime rate in March 2025 (5.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 5.1% increase from February’s 5.1 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Dawlish experienced approximately two crimes per day in March, a figure that translates to a local monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 188 residents. This ratio places the area in a category where crime is relatively sparse compared to larger urban centres but still reflects the challenges of maintaining safety in a compact built-up environment. With a population of 11,870, the 63 reported crimes equate to a manageable burden per resident, though the rise in violent crime and anti-social behaviour may warrant closer attention from local authorities. The comparison to the UK average underscores the area’s relative safety, particularly in categories like shoplifting (41% below the UK rate) and burglary (64% below). However, the slight increase in criminal damage and arson (23% above the UK average) suggests targeted vulnerabilities that may require specific interventions. For residents, these figures offer context for understanding risk levels, with the low property crime rates likely reflecting effective local deterrents or community vigilance, even as violent crime remains a persistent concern.