Teignbridge Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Teignbridge recorded a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 59.3% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a consistently low level of criminal activity, characteristic of a predominantly rural and semi-urban area with a population of 138,548. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 34.6% of all reported incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (23.3%). These figures, while showing a slight seasonal uptick, remain significantly below UK averages for both categories. The area's crime profile is shaped by its geographical and demographic features: the lower rates of violent crime may be partly explained by the spread of population across rural landscapes, which can limit opportunities for such offences. Conversely, the higher proportion of anti-social behaviour could be linked to the social dynamics of larger settlements within the district, such as Exeter, which serves as a regional hub. Seasonal factors also played a role, with August's peak holiday season influencing patterns of criminal activity. While the overall rate is low, the slight increase from July's 2.8 per 1,000 suggests a need for ongoing monitoring of trends, particularly in areas where targeted crimes like bicycle theft have shown sharp fluctuations. The UK average comparison underscores Teignbridge's position as a relatively safe area, though localised factors will continue to shape specific crime types.

The most striking change in August 2023 was the 400% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from 1 to 5. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, may reflect increased cycling activity during the summer months or targeted thefts in specific areas. Concurrently, shoplifting saw a 109% increase, climbing from 11 to 23 incidents, a figure that remains 67% below the UK average. These spikes contrast with the 58.3% drop in drug-related crimes, which fell from 12 to 5, potentially influenced by seasonal changes in illicit activity. The area's violent crime rate of 0.8 per 1,000 is 70% below the UK average of 2.6, a disparity consistent with Teignbridge's lower population density and rural character. Residents might find the 100% reduction in robbery cases from 2 to 1 particularly reassuring, though this change alone does not indicate a long-term trend. The shift in crime mix highlights a broader picture where property crimes continue to dominate, accounting for 35.7% of all incidents, compared to 23.3% for violent crimes.

Teignbridge's crime rate in August 2023 rose 17.8% compared to July, from 2.8 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with the typical seasonal pattern of heightened activity during the summer holiday period, though the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. On a daily basis, the local figure of 15 crimes per day illustrates a consistent but manageable level of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 302 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. This monthly exposure rate, while showing a slight increase, remains well below the thresholds seen in more densely populated regions. The rise in crimes does not appear to correlate with major spikes in any single category, suggesting a broad but moderate uptick across multiple offence types. When viewed against the backdrop of Teignbridge's population of 138,548, the 459 total crimes recorded represent a proportionally low level of criminal activity compared to larger urban centres.