Bideford Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Bideford’s crime profile in December 2023, accounting for 45.2% of all reported crimes. At 56 incidents, this category stood at 2.9 per 1,000 residents—11% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This outlier contrasts with the area’s overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000, which was 9.7% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. The second most common category, anti-social behaviour (16.1% of total crimes), also exceeded the UK average by 18%, while property crimes accounted for only 30% of the total, well below the typical 50-60% share seen in similar-sized built-up areas. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with Christmas shopping, dark evenings and empty homes over the holiday period potentially contributing to higher levels of violence and anti-social behaviour. The area’s lower-than-average burglary rate (71% below UK levels) may reflect a combination of rural isolation and strong community cohesion in Bideford’s built-up area within Torridge. The data suggests a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with the town’s character as a coastal market town—where tourism and retail activity drive some crime types—playing a role in shaping these figures.

December 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with anti-social behaviour plummeting by 54.5% (44 to 20 incidents) compared to November. This drop may be linked to festive community initiatives or reduced public gatherings during the holiday period. Conversely, other crime, drugs and burglary each doubled from November levels, with two incidents each in December. These increases, though small in absolute terms, highlight areas requiring closer attention, particularly as drug-related offences rose to 0.1 per 1,000—50% below the UK average. The violent crime category’s 11% above-UK-average rate stands in stark contrast to other property crimes, which were broadly below national levels. For instance, shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) both fell significantly below their respective UK averages. Residents might find the 18% below-average rate for other theft (0.5 per 1,000) particularly reassuring, suggesting effective local deterrents or policing in retail areas. The month also saw a 7.7% decrease in criminal damage and arson, reflecting reduced vandalism during the festive season when public spaces were more likely to be monitored.

Bideford’s December 2023 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 marked a 6.1% decrease from November’s 6.9 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend seen in recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that would translate to roughly one reported crime for every 154 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime per 130 residents. With a population of 19,048, Bideford’s crime statistics suggest a relatively safe built-up area within Torridge, though the 11% above-average rate for violence and sexual offences indicates targeted risks. The town’s demographic profile—characterised by a mix of permanent residents, seasonal visitors and a modest retail sector—likely influences these patterns. The lower burglary rate (71% below UK levels) may be attributed to a combination of rural isolation and the area’s smaller, more tightly-knit community structures. While the overall crime rate remains below national averages, the specific spike in violent crimes underscores the need for tailored local strategies to address this category without compromising the broader success of reducing other crime types.