Bideford Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's crime rate in July 2023 was 7.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.3% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This position highlights a generally safer environment compared to the national picture, though specific crime types reveal nuanced patterns. Anti-social behaviour was the most reported category, accounting for 29.9% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000—significantly higher than the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This may be influenced by the area's seasonal dynamics, as July is typically a peak month for tourism, festivals, and outdoor events, which could contribute to increased public disorder. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.9 per 1,000, were 32% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of violent crime in Bideford compared to other regions. The data also shows a sharp divergence in property crime, with vehicle crime at 1.0 per 1,000—108% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This could be linked to the town's coastal location and increased foot traffic during the summer months, which may attract vehicle-related incidents. Shoplifting also rose to 0.7 per 1,000, 17% above the UK average, indicating potential vulnerabilities in retail areas. Overall, while Bideford's crime rate remains below the national average, the localised patterns suggest a need for targeted strategies to address rising vehicle and anti-social behaviour incidents, while maintaining the relatively lower rates of violent crime.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 1800% increase in vehicle crime, jumping from 1 to 19 incidents, a stark deviation from the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This surge may be linked to the area's summer tourism peak and increased outdoor events, which could contribute to higher vehicle-related incidents. Concurrently, shoplifting rose by 160%, with 13 incidents reported, placing Bideford 17% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 29.9% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000—55% above the UK average. This suggests a localised challenge in managing public order, exacerbated by seasonal factors such as festivals and extended daylight hours. In contrast, public order offences fell by 80%, from 5 to 1, a significant decline that may reflect improved community policing efforts or reduced outdoor gatherings during the month.

Bideford's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 7.2 per 1,000 residents, a 54% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This rise reflects a significant shift in the local crime profile, with daily crime activity averaging 4 incidents per day across the 31-day period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 139 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in a population-scaled perspective. While this rate is 13.3% below the UK average, the localised patterns reveal distinct contrasts. For instance, vehicle crime surged by 1800% compared to June, highlighting a marked divergence from national trends. This surge may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as increased tourism and outdoor events typical of July, which could contribute to higher vehicle-related incidents. The population context further illustrates that Bideford's residents face a lower overall risk compared to the UK average, yet specific categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime show pronounced differences, warranting closer examination of local dynamics.