Teignmouth’s crime profile in February 2026 reveals a nuanced balance between property and violent crime, with the latter slightly dominating. The overall crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents places the area 42.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a disparity that may reflect the town’s coastal character and relatively low population density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.6% of all crimes, a proportion that, while significant, remains 31% below the UK average. This suggests that while the town experiences its share of violent incidents, broader societal factors—such as community engagement or local policing—may contribute to mitigating their frequency. Shoplifting and other thefts, though smaller in scale, highlight vulnerabilities in retail spaces, a common issue in tourist-driven economies. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—likely explains the lower overall crime rate, as colder weather and shorter daylight hours may deter certain types of criminal behaviour. However, the 80% increase in shoplifting cases raises questions about whether temporary factors, such as holiday shopping or increased foot traffic, are influencing this trend. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour and public order offences are significantly below UK averages, due to the town’s smaller, more tightly knit community structure. While Teignmouth’s crime rate remains low, the shift in the balance between property and violent crime warrants attention, particularly as it may indicate evolving patterns in criminal activity or changes in local demographics.