Torquay Crime Rate

Torquay currently has a safety score of 66/100, which is notably lower than the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate is 143.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly exceeding the national average of 91.7. However, there is a positive trend in the data: crime in Torquay is decreasing, with a year-over-year drop of 6.4%. As the largest town in the Torbay area, Torquay's statistics reflect its high density and status as a major tourist and nightlife hub. While property crime is also above the national average, the overall downward trend suggests that safety measures are having an effect. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Torquay's crime types, temporal patterns, and safety recommendations.

Crime Breakdown in Torquay

Torquay experiences a high rate of violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.8% of all recorded crime at a rate of 58.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, representing 18.6% of incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.2%. These figures reflect the challenges of a major seaside resort with a high-density town centre and a very active night-time economy.

Property crime in Torquay occurs at a rate of 39.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Burglary specifically accounts for 2.5% of total crime, while vehicle crime makes up 2.0%. While these specific rates are relatively low, the overall volume of property-related offences, including shoplifting and other theft, is notable. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while the risk of a serious break-in is statistically lower than other crimes, the high overall property crime rate necessitates robust security measures. Protecting commercial premises and ensuring personal belongings are secure in public spaces are essential for maintaining safety in this busy urban environment.

The crime trend in Torquay is decreasing, with a 6.4% year-over-year drop. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 10.5 and 14.1 per 1,000 residents. The lowest point was recorded in March (10.5), followed by a steady increase as the town entered the peak tourist season.

The rate peaked in July at 14.1, which is a common seasonal trend for seaside resorts. Following the summer high, the rate began to decline again, returning to 11.1 by November. The overall downward trend is a positive sign for the town, indicating that safety is improving despite the high baseline volume of incidents. For residents, this means that while vigilance is still required—especially during the busy summer months—the overall security environment is moving in a positive direction.

How To Keep Safe in Torquay

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Torquay, particularly in the town centre and around the harbour areas. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and late-night hours when the night-time economy is most active. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking alone through quiet parks or unlit side streets.

Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern in Torquay. If you encounter disruptive groups, avoid confrontation and report any issues to the local authorities. During the busy summer season, be extra vigilant with your personal belongings in high-footfall areas to prevent opportunistic theft.

For residents, ensuring your home is well-secured is vital. Always lock windows and doors, even when you are inside. If you have a vehicle, try to park in a well-lit area or a garage. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about recent activity in your part of Torquay and coordinate with your neighbours to improve overall street safety.

Crime in Torquay follows clear temporal patterns that reflect its urban nature. The morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft and shoplifting, which account for 53% and 54% of incidents respectively. This matches the peak hours for the town's retail and commercial centres. As the day transitions into evening, the focus shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 56% of total offences during this time. The night-time (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for property owners, as both burglary (18%) and vehicle crime (21%) reach their peak percentages during these hours. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely commercial, the night-time hours are the most critical for residential security.

Torquay is the most active urban centre in the region, and its crime rate of 143.8 per 1,000 residents reflects this. It is considerably higher than its immediate neighbours, such as Kingskerswell (46.5), Stokeinteignhead (27.0), Shaldon (35.1), and Marldon (43.4). These surrounding areas are much more residential and rural in nature, lacking the high-density commercial and entertainment sectors that drive Torquay's statistics. For those living in the region, Torquay serves as the primary hub for services and entertainment but also presents a more challenging safety environment than the quieter villages nearby.

With a property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 residents, Torquay is an area where homeowners and businesses should prioritise high-quality security. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it is happening. While this can sometimes help with an investigation, it does nothing to prevent the damage or loss from occurring in the first place.

For effective protection in Torquay, a proactive system is essential. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at the property boundary before an intruder can even reach your door. By using multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as triggering deterrent lights or audio warnings—scOS destroys the element of surprise. This proactive approach is designed to stop a burglary or act of vandalism before it starts. In an area with a higher volume of property crime, having a system that actively defends your home or business provides a level of security and peace of mind that standard recording devices simply cannot match.