Teignbridge Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw Teignbridge maintain a crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure 45.8% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This continued performance underscores the area’s relative safety compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.6%) and criminal damage and arson (7.8%). These patterns align with seasonal factors typically observed in December, such as increased public gatherings during the festive period and the impact of dark evenings on visibility. While violent crime remains the dominant category, the overall rate of property-related crimes (including burglary, vehicle crime, and shoplifting) was lower than the UK average for several subcategories. For instance, shoplifting occurred at a rate 59% below the national average, and vehicle crime was 56% below. The data suggests a combination of community-focused policing strategies and the natural deterrent of seasonal conditions, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas during holiday closures, may have contributed to these outcomes. However, the persistence of violence and sexual offences highlights ongoing challenges in addressing interpersonal crime, particularly in areas with higher population density or during periods of increased social interaction.

December 2023 brought notable reductions in specific crime categories, including a 66.7% decrease in theft from the person and a 50% drop in bicycle theft compared to the previous month. These declines may reflect heightened awareness during the festive season or the implementation of targeted local initiatives to deter opportunistic crimes. Conversely, several categories saw significant increases: burglary rose by 500%, public order offences jumped by 135.3%, and vehicle crime doubled. The surge in public order incidents, for example, could be linked to the heightened social activity typical of December, including holiday celebrations and increased foot traffic in town centres. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, occurring at a rate 39% below the UK average. This suggests that while Teignbridge’s overall crime profile is safer than the national average, certain areas or demographics may still face elevated risks. The data also reveals that property crimes, such as burglary and vehicle crime, are lower in Teignbridge compared to the UK. For instance, burglary rates were 43% below the national average, and vehicle crime was 56% lower. These figures may be influenced by the area’s geographical characteristics, such as the presence of rural zones with fewer high-traffic areas, or the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures like improved street lighting and community engagement programs.

The crime rate in Teignbridge rose by 41.3% from 2.8 per 1,000 in November 2023 to 3.9 per 1,000 in December 2023. This increase, though significant, still places the area well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Teignbridge recorded an average of 17 crimes per day in December, a figure that may appear high but is contextualised by the area’s population of 138,548. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 256 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is considerably lower than many comparable regions. This statistic provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime for a typical resident, helping to frame the data in relatable terms. When compared to the previous month, the rise in overall crime rate may be attributed to seasonal factors such as the influx of visitors during the Christmas period, which can create opportunities for certain types of crime, or the return of seasonal workers and students to the area. However, the fact that Teignbridge’s crime rate remains 45.8% below the UK average suggests that local conditions, such as strong community policing efforts or the area’s mix of urban and rural characteristics, continue to play a protective role. The population-scaled perspective further reinforces that while crime rates can fluctuate month-on-month, the overall safety profile of Teignbridge remains robust relative to national benchmarks.