Bideford Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 19,048, Bideford recorded 83 crimes in April 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents—41.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national trends, though specific patterns reveal a combination of factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 30 incidents (36.1% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (25 cases, 30.1%) and shoplifting (6 cases, 7.2%). The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the onset of spring—may have influenced activity levels, as warmer weather and increased outdoor engagement often correlate with reduced crime in certain categories. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour, even at a slightly elevated rate compared to the UK average, suggests that localised issues such as alcohol-related incidents or youth activity in specific areas require attention. The sharp decline in criminal damage and arson, which fell by 87.5% from the previous month, may reflect the impact of seasonal changes, with fewer opportunities for such crimes during the day as more residents spend time outdoors. Meanwhile, the rise in drug-related offences and possession of weapons highlights a potential shift in criminal activity, linked to changes in local supply chains or policing priorities. The overall crime rate, though significantly lower than the national average, indicates that Bideford’s built-up area—likely characterised by a mix of residential and commercial zones—experiences crime patterns that differ from larger urban centres. The low rate of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and theft from the person (0.1 per 1,000) further supports the idea that Bideford’s relatively sparse population and smaller scale of public spaces contribute to a safer environment. However, the increase in drug-related offences, which now stand at 5 cases (6.0% of total crimes)—58% above the UK average—raises questions about the role of local factors, such as proximity to regional hubs or changes in enforcement practices. These trends, when viewed through the lens of Bideford’s geography and demographics, suggest that while the area remains a low-crime environment, targeted interventions may be necessary to address emerging challenges.

April 2023 saw a 100% increase in possession of weapons and burglary, with both categories rising from one to two incidents. This shift contrasts with a significant 87.5% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 16 to 2 cases. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, accounting for 30.1% of all reported incidents, though it was 10% above the UK average. Drug-related offences also rose by 66.7%, from three to five cases, a trend that may reflect broader regional or local factors. Conversely, theft from the person decreased by 50.0%, from two to one incident, suggesting improved security measures or altered patterns in public spaces. The area’s violent crime rate—1.6 per 1,000—was 38% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a disparity that could be linked to Bideford’s relatively low population density and community-focused policing strategies. A resident might find it useful to note that anti-social behaviour, while still present, is slightly higher than the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions in specific neighbourhoods.

Bideford’s crime rate in April 2023 fell by 29.0% compared to the previous month’s 6.1 per 1,000, settling at 4.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as the transition from winter to spring often correlates with reduced outdoor criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area averaged 3 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the relatively low density of built-up areas in Torridge. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 229 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores Bideford’s position as one of the safer areas in the UK. This figure is particularly notable when compared to the national average of 7.5 per 1,000, highlighting a consistent trend of lower crime incidence in smaller coastal towns. The low population density of Bideford, combined with its proximity to natural landscapes, likely contributes to fewer opportunities for certain types of crime, such as public order offences and vehicle crime. However, the increase in drug-related offences and possession of weapons suggests that local factors—such as changes in community dynamics or access to illicit substances—may be influencing specific crime categories.