Torbay Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Torbay recorded a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This lower-than-average rate reflects a mix of crime types, with violence and sexual offences (262 incidents) making up 29.1% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (240 incidents) at 26.7%. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to local universities and the start of the academic year—may have influenced patterns, particularly in anti-social behaviour, which was 27% higher than the UK average. Despite this, violent crime rates were significantly lower, with Torbay’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000 being 31% below the UK average. The area’s coastal and tourist-driven economy likely plays a role in these dynamics, as retail areas and high streets may drive shoplifting, while the presence of educational institutions could contribute to anti-social behaviour. However, the overall crime profile suggests a relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. Criminal damage and arson remained at the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), while property crimes accounted for 35.7% of all incidents, indicating a persistent need for vigilance in securing homes and vehicles. The month’s crime picture illustrates the interplay between local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing effectiveness, with Torbay’s lower-than-average violent crime rate standing out as a key protective factor for residents.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with other crime increasing by 77.8% (9 to 16 incidents) and burglary rising by 76.5% (17 to 30 incidents). These increases may reflect seasonal transitions, such as university freshers returning to the area or changes in local activity patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 31.9% (69 to 47 incidents), potentially linked to reduced daylight hours affecting outdoor activity or targeted policing. Anti-social behaviour remained 27% above the UK average at 1.7 per 1,000, a figure that could be influenced by Torbay’s coastal tourism and nightlife. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences in Torbay were 31% below the UK average at 1.9 per 1,000, suggesting a lower incidence of severe crimes compared to national trends. For residents, the 77.8% spike in 'other crime' highlights the need to stay informed about less common but rising categories, such as environmental offences or minor disturbances.

Torbay's crime rate in September 2023 fell to 6.4 per 1,000 residents, a 4.2% decline from 6.7 per 1,000 in August. This slight downward trend suggests a continuation of stability in local policing efforts or community initiatives, though no specific programmes are named in the data. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 30 reported crimes each day, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity without direct comparison to national averages. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 156 residents, a statistic that contextualises the risk as relatively low compared to broader UK trends. When scaled to the area’s population of 140,126, this means that roughly 1,120 residents collectively face one incident each month, a perspective that helps residents gauge their personal exposure. The consistency of this monthly exposure, despite fluctuations in specific crime types, indicates a balanced approach to crime management that may be influenced by Torbay’s coastal character and seasonal patterns.