Rural Torbay Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Rural Torbay

Rural Torbay, an urban settlement within the Torbay local authority, reports an overall crime rate of 115.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This positions Rural Torbay above the national average crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000 people, indicating a higher incidence of crime compared to the UK benchmark. The area's safety score is 74 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 78, suggesting a lower level of safety for local residents. Over the past year, Rural Torbay has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor increase of 1.8% year-over-year. These statistics offer a detailed look into the local crime environment, providing valuable information for those living or working within this area.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Torbay

In Rural Torbay, Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, with 167 incidents, representing 36.1% of all crimes at a rate of 41.5 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting is the second highest, with 150 crimes (32.4% of the total) at a rate of 37.3 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third most common, with 45 incidents, making up 9.7% of all crimes and a rate of 11.2 per 1,000.

Property-related crime across Rural Torbay, which includes categories such as burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 56.1 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. The breakdown includes 10 burglaries (2.5 per 1,000), 8 vehicle crimes (2.0 per 1,000), 4 bicycle thefts (1.0 per 1,000), 4 thefts from the person (1.0 per 1,000), 1 robbery (0.2 per 1,000), 24 criminal damage and arson incidents (6.0 per 1,000), and 25 other theft incidents (6.2 per 1,000). These figures are crucial for residents to understand the specific risks to their property and to consider appropriate security measures within this area.

Crime Trends in Rural Torbay

Rural Torbay has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor increase of 1.8% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents, a fluctuating pattern is evident. In late 2024, the rates were 14.2 in November and 8.9 in December. Early 2025 saw a rise to 10.4 in January, followed by a dip to 5.7 in February. Crime rates then generally increased through the spring and summer months, reaching 11.9 in June before stabilising. The trend saw rates of 8.2 in July, 9.9 in August and 10.4 in September, before dropping to 8.0 in October. This pattern suggests some monthly variability in crime incidents. For local residents, this stable trend means that while there isn't a significant escalating risk, remaining informed and cautious during periods when rates are higher is advisable.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Torbay

With Violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Rural Torbay, it's important for residents to be vigilant and adopt safety practices. Here are some specific tips to help keep you safe:

• Maintain Awareness in Public: Even in rural settings, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are out alone or in less populated areas. Avoid distractions that might make you vulnerable.
• Secure Your Property: Given the presence of shoplifting and other theft, ensure your home and any outbuildings are well-secured. Consider good locks, alarms, and exterior lighting.
• Report Suspicious Vehicles/Individuals: In rural areas, unfamiliar vehicles or individuals can sometimes be a precursor to criminal activity. Report anything suspicious to the local police or neighbourhood watch.
• Travel Safely: If walking or cycling in rural areas, especially at dusk or night, consider wearing reflective clothing and carrying a fully charged phone. Inform someone of your route and estimated return time.

Crime Time Patterns in Rural Torbay

An examination of crime patterns throughout the day in Rural Torbay Built-Up Area reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity. During the Morning (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 55% of crimes, followed by 'other' crime at 28% and burglary at 8%. This suggests opportunistic thefts and residential break-ins are more common as people begin their day and leave properties unattended or commute.

The Afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees theft continue to dominate, rising to 57% of reported incidents, with 'other' crime at 27% and burglary at 12%. This period aligns with peak shopping hours and times when residential properties may be empty, making them vulnerable.

As the day transitions into Evening (6pm - 12am), the crime landscape shifts significantly. 'Other' crime becomes the most substantial category at 50%, while theft is 27% and vehicle crime is 10%, with burglary at 13%. This suggests a broader range of incidents occurring, potentially linked to social activities and the start of the night.

Finally, Night (12am - 6am) hours are notably affected by 'other' crime, which accounts for 41% of incidents. Vehicle crime makes up 27%, and burglary is 17%. This pattern indicates that overnight, a variety of crimes occur, with vehicles and residential properties being key targets when areas are quieter.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To put Rural Torbay's crime rate of 115.0 per 1,000 people into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with surrounding urban settlements. The data for nearby areas is not provided with specific crime rates. However, generally, it is understood that rural areas within a larger local authority district can sometimes experience different crime dynamics compared to more densely populated urban centres. While specific comparative figures are unavailable, Rural Torbay's rate being above the national average suggests that even in less populated settings, crime remains a concern, and residents should stay informed about local safety measures.

Proactive Property Protection in Rural Torbay

With Rural Torbay's property crime rate at 56.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average, residents may be particularly concerned about safeguarding their homes and possessions. Traditional security systems often provide a reactive response, merely recording incidents after they have occurred. For those seeking a more advanced and preventative solution, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers significant advantages.

scOS is engineered for proactive protection, identifying potential threats at your property's boundary before they can escalate. Unlike basic DIY cameras that capture footage of a burglary in progress, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence works seamlessly, eliminating blind spots, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. Through pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between familiar movements and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to disorient intruders and make them move on within the critical 60-second window. For residents in Rural Torbay, investing in scOS means embracing a professional-grade security solution that prioritises prevention over mere documentation, providing robust defence against property crime.