Torquay Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Torquay, 8.2 crimes were reported in September 2023, placing the area 2.5% above the UK average of 8.0. This rate translates to a daily risk of approximately 14 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 121 residents over the course of the month. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (34% of all reported incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (27%) and shoplifting (9.4%). These patterns align with Torquay’s character as a coastal resort with a mix of residential and tourist areas, where late-night activity and seasonal transitions may influence crime trends. The rise in violence and sexual offences—up 45% from August—could be partially explained by the start of the academic year and the influx of university students during freshers’ week. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates remain higher than the UK average, likely driven by the town’s retail presence along the seafront and high streets. Anti-social behaviour, at 64% above the UK average, may reflect the impact of increased foot traffic and social gatherings during the early autumn season. While the overall rate is slightly above the national average, certain categories like vehicle crime and burglary are significantly lower than UK levels, suggesting effective local policing strategies in specific areas.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with robbery rising by 50% (from 2 to 3 incidents) and violence and sexual offences surging by 45% (from 100 to 145). These spikes may be linked to the return of students to local universities and the start of the academic term, which often brings heightened social activity and late-night gatherings. Anti-social behaviour, already 64% above the UK average, remained a persistent issue, contributing to 27% of all reported crimes. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates were 43% higher than the UK average, likely tied to Torquay’s tourism-driven retail sector. Conversely, some categories saw notable declines: bicycle theft fell by 88.9% (from 9 to 1), possibly due to increased bike security measures or seasonal shifts in cycling patterns. Possession of weapons dropped by 85.7% (from 7 to 1), a stark reduction that may reflect targeted policing efforts. Vehicle crime also fell by 37.5% (from 24 to 15), influenced by reduced summer traffic and increased awareness of vehicle security. These contrasting trends illustrate the combination of seasonal factors and local initiatives in shaping Torquay’s crime profile.

Torquay’s crime rate in September 2023 (8.2 per 1,000) marked a 9.6% decrease from August’s rate of 9.1, reflecting a slight but notable downward trend. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 121 residents, a figure that provides context for the everyday risk faced by Torquay’s population of 51,862. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 14 crimes per day, a rate that, while consistent with previous months, remains slightly above the UK average. When compared to the national picture, Torquay’s violence and sexual offences (2.8 per 1,000) were 2% above the UK average, but other categories like vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) were 38% and 38% below, respectively. This suggests that while certain aspects of Torquay’s crime profile align with broader UK trends, targeted efforts in areas like vehicle security and burglary prevention may be yielding results. The contrast between categories—such as the significant rise in anti-social behaviour (64% above the UK average) versus the marked decline in bicycle theft—highlights the importance of localized policing strategies that address specific community concerns.