Torquay Crime Rate

Torquay currently experiences a high crime rate of 143.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly above the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in its safety score of 66/100, placing it below the national benchmark of 79. Despite these figures, the town is seeing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 6.0% year-over-year. As a major coastal hub with a significant tourism industry and nightlife, Torquay faces unique urban challenges that contribute to its elevated statistics. The following sections provide a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, seasonal variations, and specific safety advice to help residents and visitors understand the local landscape and take appropriate precautions in this vibrant Devon town.

Torquay experiences a high volume of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most significant category, accounting for 41.4% of all incidents (3,072 cases). Anti-social behaviour is also highly prevalent, representing 18.1% of the total with 1,346 reported instances. The third most frequent crime type is criminal damage and arson, with 616 cases recorded.

Property crime as a whole—which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—is a substantial issue in Torquay. The combined property crime rate is 39.0 per 1,000 people. Within this, 'other theft' (494 cases) and shoplifting (436 cases) contribute significantly to the local crime landscape. Burglary, while representing only 2.5% of total crime with 183 incidents, remains a priority for residents due to its invasive nature. The high rate of criminal damage suggests a need for robust physical security for both residential and commercial properties. For homeowners, these figures indicate that the risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism is higher than the national average, necessitating proactive measures to secure homes and vehicles.

Torquay is currently experiencing a downward trend in criminal activity, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.0%. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate peaked during the summer months, reaching 14.1 per 1,000 in July. This is a typical pattern for a major tourist destination, where higher populations often lead to increased reports of anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft.

Following the summer peak, the rate fluctuated but generally trended downwards, ending the year at 10.7 in December. Other notable months include May (13.9) and June (13.7), which also saw elevated levels of activity. The consistent reduction in crime towards the end of the year is a positive sign for the community. While the overall rate of 143.2 remains high, the 6.0% decrease suggests that local initiatives and policing are having a measurable impact. For residents, this means that while vigilance remains necessary, the area is moving in a safer direction compared to the previous twelve-month period.

How To Keep Safe in Torquay

The most common crime in Torquay is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 41% of all recorded incidents. Given the town's active nightlife and high footfall, personal safety should be a primary focus for both residents and visitors.

When enjoying the town's evening economy, always stay with friends and stick to well-lit, busy thoroughfares. Avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways. It is also wise to be mindful of your surroundings in the town centre, where anti-social behaviour is most frequently reported.

To protect against the high rate of property crime and criminal damage, ensure your home is well-secured with British Standard locks and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter. For vehicle owners, never leave valuables on display, as 'other theft' and vehicle crime remain persistent risks. Local businesses should be particularly vigilant regarding shoplifting, which occurs at a rate of 8.4 per 1,000. Joining a local business crime reduction partnership can provide valuable intelligence on known offenders in the area.

Crime in Torquay follows a distinct temporal pattern influenced by its commercial and social calendar. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the predominant issue, making up 52% and 54% of crimes respectively. This suggests that the majority of opportunistic thefts and shoplifting occur during peak business hours when the town centre is most crowded.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become the most significant factor, accounting for 57% of incidents. This aligns with the town's nightlife activity. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile. While overall crime volume may be lower, the proportion of burglary (18%) and vehicle crime (23%) reaches its peak. This indicates that while personal safety is a concern during the busy evening hours, property and vehicles are most at risk during the quietest hours of the night. Residents should ensure that high-quality security measures are active throughout the night to counter this specific shift in criminal activity.

Torquay stands as the primary urban centre in its immediate region, which is reflected in its crime rate of 143.2 per 1,000. This is substantially higher than all surrounding areas. Nearby Kingskerswell has a much lower rate of 45.4, while Marldon sits at 42.1. Even more tranquil are Shaldon (34.3) and Stokeinteignhead (26.9). These comparisons highlight that crime in Torquay is heavily influenced by its size, population density, and commercial activity compared to the more residential and rural character of its neighbours. For those looking for a quieter environment, the surrounding villages offer significantly lower crime profiles, though they lack the extensive amenities found within Torquay itself.

With a property crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 people, Torquay residents face a higher-than-average risk of burglary, theft, and criminal damage. In such an environment, traditional security measures often fall short. A standard CCTV camera or a video doorbell is reactive; it records the event but rarely stops it. For many homeowners, receiving a notification that someone is already inside their house is too little, too late.

Proactive protection is the only way to truly change the outcome. Systems like scOS use AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries 24/7. Instead of just recording, scOS identifies threats as they approach, using DVLA vehicle verification to spot unknown cars and autonomous responses to deter intruders. When an AI system activates floodlights or issues an audible warning before a window is even touched, the element of surprise is lost, and most opportunists will move on. In a town like Torquay, where criminal damage and theft are relatively common, investing in professional-grade prevention rather than just post-event recording is a critical step for serious property protection.