Torridge Crime Rate

Crime in Torridge

Torridge is a safe and secure district in North Devon, with an overall crime rate of 56.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 86/100. While the area has seen a 6.7% increase in crime year-over-year, it remains one of the safer regions in Devon. Property crime in Torridge stands at 15.1 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. These statistics indicate that residents enjoy a high level of safety, though the recent upward trend in crime suggests that proactive security measures are becoming increasingly important for local homeowners and businesses.

About Torridge

Torridge is a predominantly rural local authority district in North Devon, characterized by its dramatic coastline, the Hartland Peninsula, and the market towns of Bideford, Great Torrington, and Holsworthy. The area's economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. The district has a relatively low population density, which contributes to its reputation as a safe and stable community.

Tourism brings a significant influx of visitors during the summer months, which can influence crime statistics, particularly in terms of anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft. The town of Bideford serves as the main urban and commercial hub, where crime is naturally more concentrated compared to the vast rural areas. Torridge's geography, with its isolated settlements and rugged coastline, means that crime is often localized in the main towns, while the rural parishes remain very safe. Transport links like the A39 and A386 are the main arteries for the district, connecting its diverse communities but also serving as corridors for opportunistic crime. Economic stability and a high level of homeownership generally lead to lower crime rates.

Crime Breakdown in Torridge

In Torridge, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 43.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.9% and criminal damage and arson at 9.8%. These figures suggest that personal disputes and community conduct are the primary areas of concern for local residents.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 15.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 32.9, making Torridge relatively safe for property owners. 'Other theft' accounts for 6.9% of total crime, while shoplifting stands at 5.1%. Burglary is relatively low at 2.9%, and vehicle crime is also very low at 1.2%. For residents, this means that while the overall risk to property is low, criminal damage (9.8%) is a more significant concern. Protecting homes and businesses from vandalism and opportunistic theft in public spaces should be a key safety priority.

Crime Trends in Torridge

The crime trend in Torridge is currently increasing, with a 6.7% rise in total incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in May and April, recording around 5.4 and 5.1 per 1,000 respectively, which often coincides with the start of the tourist season.

The lowest point in the year was recorded in December 2024 at 3.7 per 1,000. Following the spring peak, the crime rate showed a relatively stable trend into the autumn, with October recording 4.4 per 1,000. While the overall year-on-year trend is upward, the current crime rate remains well below the national average. However, the 6.7% annual increase is a key indicator that community safety requires renewed focus and that proactive security measures are increasingly important.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Torridge is situated in a region of Devon with varying crime profiles. When compared to nearby North Devon and Mid Devon, Torridge has a similar crime rate, though it remains much safer than larger urban centres like Exeter or Plymouth. The district's mix of rural and coastal environments generally results in lower crime concentrations than these more densely populated areas. For those looking for a residential location in Devon, Torridge offers a secure environment with a lower statistical exposure to crime than the major cities, though its recent 6.7% rise in crime is a factor to consider compared to its more stable neighbours.

Proactive Protection for Torridge Homes

With a property crime rate of 15.1 per 1,000 and a 6.7% increase in crime over the last year, Torridge residents should consider the benefits of advanced security. In a region with many rural and coastal properties, traditional systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive; they record footage as a crime happens, which does not prevent the incident. For real protection, a proactive system like scOS is the modern standard.

scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries, detecting potential threats before an intruder reaches your home. Its multi-camera intelligence identifies suspicious patterns and can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or audible deterrents, destroying the element of surprise. In a district where criminal damage is a notable concern (9.8%), the ability to prevent an incident before it occurs is far more valuable than simply having evidence after the fact. Professional-grade AI protection ensures your home remains a hard target in a changing crime landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Torridge

The most common crime type in Torridge is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To maintain your safety in this North Devon district, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in town centres like Bideford during the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts or unlit alleys.
2. Given the rate of criminal damage (9.8%), ensure your property and vehicle are parked in secure, well-lit locations to deter vandalism.
3. Be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas, and if you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police.
4. Ensure your home is always securely locked, even when you are nearby, to prevent opportunistic theft which can occur in both urban and rural settings.
5. If you are out alone in the evening, let someone know your plans and consider using a personal safety app to share your location with trusted contacts.