Dawlish Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 marked a significant escalation in Dawlish's crime profile, with the area's overall crime rate climbing to 7.8 per 1,000 residents — 14.7% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This represents a stark deviation from the seasonal patterns typically observed in coastal towns during winter months, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours usually correlate with lower crime rates. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.3% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 64% above the UK average for this category. This surge in violent crime may partly explain the broader increase in overall crime rates, particularly given the area's proximity to major transport routes and its status as a tourist destination. Criminal damage and arson followed with 15.2% of total crimes, a figure 150% above the UK average, suggesting a possible link to vandalism during the post-holiday period. Shoplifting also rose to 9.8% of total crimes, 40% above the UK average, which could be attributed to the town's retail presence and the reduced retail footfall typical of January. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced outdoor activity — may have contributed to shifts in criminal behaviour, with some crimes moving indoors or targeting vulnerable populations. While direct links, the combination of these factors likely contributes to the elevated crime rates observed in the area this month.

The month-on-month analysis reveals alarming trends, with other theft incidents surging by 200% from 1 to 3 cases — a jump that could indicate increased opportunistic behaviour in the absence of holiday retail activity. Other crime also rose sharply, doubling from 0 to 2 incidents, while drug-related crimes increased by 100% from 1 to 2 cases, suggesting potential shifts in illicit activity patterns. These increases contrast sharply with declines in anti-social behaviour, which fell by 60% from 10 to 4 incidents, and public order offences, which dropped by 16.7% from 6 to 5. The violent crime category remains high, with 4.1 per 1,000 residents — 64% above the UK average — a figure that residents should be particularly vigilant about. The rate of criminal damage and arson in Dawlish (1.2 per 1,000) is 150% above the UK average, a stark anomaly that may reflect specific vulnerabilities in the area's infrastructure or enforcement strategies. While the decrease in anti-social behaviour is welcome, the overall trajectory of crime rates suggests that residents should remain alert to the persistent risks associated with violent crime and property-related offences.

The crime rate in Dawlish for January 2026 (7.8 per 1,000 residents) represents a 22.6% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 6.3 per 1,000. This upward trend places the area significantly above the UK average, with a 14.7% gap that underscores the urgency of addressing local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 129 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while seemingly low on a daily basis, accumulates to a notable frequency when considered across the population. Given Dawlish's population of 11,870 residents, the 92 total crimes reported represent a measurable impact on the community, particularly in light of the violent crime concentration. The contrast between Dawlish's crime profile and the UK average highlights specific challenges for local authorities, with the area's violent crime rate (4.1 per 1,000) being 64% higher than the national average. This disparity may be attributed to local factors such as the town's coastal location, which could attract transient populations, or its mix of residential and commercial zones, which may create unique crime vulnerabilities. The data also reveals that while some categories like anti-social behaviour are performing below the UK average, the overall trajectory suggests a need for targeted interventions to address the disproportionate rise in violent and property-related crimes.