Bideford Crime Rate

Bideford maintains an overall crime rate of 92.1 per 1,000 residents, which aligns closely with the UK average of 93.1. This parity is further reflected in its safety score of 79/100, just above the national average of 78. The town's crime trend is currently classified as stable, with a modest 4.4% decrease in recorded incidents over the past year. As the primary commercial and population centre for the Torridge area, Bideford’s statistics reflect a typical urban environment. This data provides a balanced perspective for residents and visitors, showing that while Bideford is a busy town, it remains a safe and stable community within the regional context.

Bideford's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.9% of all reported incidents, equating to 36.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent issue at 20.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.5%. Property crime—a category including burglary, shoplifting, and various thefts—represents a significant concern for the local community, with a combined property crime rate of 25.8 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting alone makes up 8.4% of total crime, reflecting the commercial nature of the town centre. For homeowners, the relatively low burglary rate (2.0% of total crime) is a positive indicator, though the overall property crime volume suggests that vigilance and robust security measures are still highly advisable to protect against theft and damage.

The crime trend in Bideford is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.4%. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in August 2025 at 8.8 per 1,000 residents and another high point in April 2025 at 8.7. The lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 at 6.4. This stability suggests that while there are seasonal variations, the overall safety environment in Bideford is not undergoing rapid change. For residents, this predictability is a positive factor, indicating that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are maintaining a consistent level of control over crime in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Bideford

The most frequent crime type in Bideford is violence and sexual offences, often concentrated in the town centre and areas with higher footfall. To enhance your personal safety:

1. Stick to well-lit, main routes when walking through the town at night, and avoid poorly lit alleys or isolated areas.
2. When using public transport or taxis late at night, try to travel with friends and ensure someone knows your expected arrival time.
3. Be mindful of your belongings in busy shopping areas to prevent opportunistic theft or pickpocketing.
4. If you are a business owner, ensure your premises have clear sightlines and robust security to deter anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
5. Report any non-emergency suspicious activity to the local police via the 101 service to help them allocate resources effectively across the town.

Crime in Bideford follows a typical urban cycle, with theft and shoplifting significantly more prevalent during daylight hours. In the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences account for 52% and 55% of reported incidents respectively, aligning with peak shopping and business activity. As the town moves into the evening and night, the crime profile shifts. While the overall volume of theft drops, the relative proportion of 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rises to 62% in the evening. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees the highest relative intensity for burglary (17%) and vehicle crime (8%), suggesting that property-targeted offences are more likely when the town is quietest.

In the regional context of North Devon, Bideford has a higher crime rate at 92.1 per 1,000 residents than its more residential neighbours. Nearby Northam (40.2) and Westward Ho! (47.4) offer significantly lower crime rates, as does Appledore at 54.6. The settlement of Littleham reports a crime rate of 0.0, though this reflects its much smaller population. Bideford's higher figures are largely due to its role as a commercial and transport hub, which naturally attracts more activity and, consequently, more reported incidents. For those prioritising a quiet, low-crime environment, the surrounding villages offer alternatives, while Bideford provides the amenities and infrastructure expected of a larger town.

With a property crime rate of 25.8 per 1,000 people, Bideford residents face a standard level of risk that necessitates effective home security. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive; they provide you with a recording of your home being burgled, but they do little to stop the act itself. For Bideford homeowners seeking true prevention, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By utilising advanced AI, scOS monitors all your cameras simultaneously and identifies threats at your property boundary, not after a door has been forced. This proactive detection allows for autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—that can deter a criminal in the 60 seconds they usually take to decide whether to proceed. In a town like Bideford, where shoplifting and theft are common, protecting your private residence with a system that prioritises prevention over mere recording is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure.