Dawlish Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Dawlish's crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents placed it 6.3% below the UK average of 6.4, a figure that translates to a relatively low risk for individual residents. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.9% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (14.1%) and shoplifting (11.3%). These patterns may reflect the area's characteristics as a built-up coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—likely contributed to the overall lower crime rate, though violent crimes remained the most persistent category. The rate of anti-social behaviour was 56% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or community policing efforts may have had an impact. The breakdown also reveals that while property crimes constituted 38% of total incidents (27 out of 71), violent crimes were proportionally higher than the UK average, where violence typically accounts for around 35% of all crimes. This discrepancy could be linked to Dawlish's specific demographics or the presence of local factors such as nightlife activity in certain parts of the built-up area. The overall rate, however, remains modest, with each resident facing a 0.6% chance of experiencing a crime in the month—a figure that, while non-zero, is lower than the national average. The seasonal dip in crime aligns with broader patterns observed in similar coastal towns, where colder weather and shorter daylight hours often correlate with reduced opportunities for certain types of crime, particularly those involving outdoor spaces.

February 2026 saw a stark contrast in crime trends compared to January, with violent crimes decreasing by 40.8% to 29 incidents—still the most common category at 40.9% of total crimes. This drop may be influenced by the pre-spring lull, though the 21% increase in shoplifting (8 incidents) suggests ongoing pressures on retail areas. Vehicle crime surged 100% from zero to two incidents, a rise that could reflect changes in local traffic patterns or enforcement. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, fell 56% below the UK average, a significant deviation that may indicate effective community engagement or underreporting. The most alarming shift was the 74% increase in criminal damage and arson, with 10 incidents—far above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This spike, coupled with the 100% rise in possession of weapons, raises questions about underlying factors such as economic stress or targeted activity. Residents may find the 1-in-167 monthly exposure rate useful for understanding personal risk, though this figure does not capture spatial variations within the built-up area.

Dawlish's crime rate in February 2026 dropped 22.8% from the previous month's 7.8 per 1,000 to 6.0 per 1,000, marking the lowest rate since at least 2023. This decline aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity during winter, though local factors may also play a role. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly three crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the persistent presence of certain crime types. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for every 167 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises risk as relatively modest compared to larger urban areas. This metric, however, does not account for variations in population density or localised hotspots. The reduction in violent crimes—down 40.8% from January—suggests a shift in crime dynamics, though the increase in vehicle crime and possession of weapons indicates emerging trends that may warrant closer monitoring. These changes highlight the interplay between seasonal patterns and specific local conditions, such as the proximity of transport hubs or changes in community activity.