Bideford Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Bideford

Bideford records an overall crime rate of 92.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is closely aligned with the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The town achieves a safety score of 79 out of 100, indicating it is slightly safer than the national average of 78. Current data suggests a stable crime trend, with a minor decrease of 0.9% year-over-year. These figures provide a detailed overview of the crime landscape in Bideford, offering residents and prospective movers valuable insights into local safety and security.

Crime Type Analysis in Bideford

In Bideford, the most significant crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion, at 39.5% of all crimes, with 698 incidents recorded (36.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, accounting for 20.7% of incidents with 366 crimes (19.2 per 1,000), often affecting public spaces and community peace. Criminal damage and arson represent 9.3% of the total, with 164 incidents (8.6 per 1,000).

The overall property crime rate in Bideford, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 26.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, while the town experiences a notable level of violence and anti-social behaviour, the risk of property-specific crimes is below the national average, suggesting that general vigilance and community efforts are important for maintaining safety.

Crime Trends in Bideford

Bideford has maintained a stable crime trend, showing a slight decrease of 0.9% in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents indicate some fluctuations. The rate was 8.7 in October 2024, dipped to 6.7 in December, before rising again in early 2025. Peaks were observed in April and August 2025, both at 8.7 and 8.8 respectively, with a closing rate of 7.8 in September 2025. This consistent pattern suggests that while there are monthly variations, the overall crime level in Bideford has remained largely unchanged over the past year, providing a degree of predictability for residents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Bideford

Crime patterns in Bideford show distinct variations throughout the 24-hour cycle. Morning hours (6am-12pm) and afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) are characterised by a higher prevalence of theft, accounting for 53% and 54% of crimes respectively, alongside a notable presence of burglary. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), theft-related offences decrease to 25%, while "Other" crime types, which often include public order and violence, become more dominant at 62%. During the night (12am-6am), burglary incidents see their highest proportion at 18%, and vehicle crime also increases, alongside a continued high proportion of "Other" crimes at 58%. This suggests that daytime activity in commercial and public areas contributes to theft, while evenings and nights see shifts towards crimes often associated with less supervision and darker hours.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Bideford, with an overall crime rate of 92.8 per 1,000, sits within a regional context shaped by its surrounding towns. Compared to Northam and Westward Ho!, Bideford's crime rate is notably higher, suggesting a more urban environment with increased activity. Its crime figures are likely to be somewhat higher than smaller settlements like Appledore (Torridge) and Littleham due to its larger population and commercial focal points. The property crime rate of 26.0 per 1,000 in Bideford, while below the UK average, is higher than in these smaller, more residential neighbouring areas. This comparison underscores Bideford's role as a key hub within the Torridge district, attracting more varied activity that can influence crime statistics.

Protecting Your Property in Bideford

With Bideford's property crime rate at 26.0 per 1,000, which is below the UK average but still significant, robust home security is a pertinent concern for residents. While traditional security cameras offer recordings of incidents, they do not actively prevent crime. For effective protection, a proactive approach is crucial.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. This advanced system prevents crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than merely documenting a break-in. Multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning intelligently differentiate between genuine threats and everyday occurrences. In an area like Bideford, where property crime is a factor, deterring potential intruders at the earliest possible stage is vital. Professional-grade security makes it clear that your property is well-protected, often causing burglars to move on within 60 seconds of detection. By choosing prevention, you are actively safeguarding your home and belongings.