Bideford Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford’s crime rate in June 2023 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This figure places the area 44.7% below the national benchmark, a consistent trend that reflects Bideford’s status as a relatively safe built-up area within Torridge. The most common crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 46.1% of all incidents, a rate that is 49% higher than the UK average. This disparity may be attributed to the town’s coastal location, where seasonal tourism and community interactions could contribute to higher reports of disruptive behaviour. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK average, remained a notable category, with 20 incidents reported. The area’s crime profile also includes a significant proportion of property-related offences, with criminal damage and arson (6 incidents) and other theft (5 incidents) comprising 13.3% of all crimes. These figures are consistent with Bideford’s character as a small, historically significant town with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The start of summer, with its associated increase in visitors and longer daylight hours, may have influenced the seasonal context. Overall, the crime rate remains stable, with the UK comparison reinforcing Bideford’s position as an area with lower-than-average crime levels.

June 2023 saw a sharp 400% increase in public order offences, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This jump, though not reflected in the overall crime rate, suggests a shift in local dynamics that may relate to the start of summer and increased foot traffic in Bideford’s coastal areas. Burglary also doubled, with three reported incidents compared to one in May, a trend that could be linked to warmer weather and open windows. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, due to reduced car usage or improved security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 46.1% of all crimes, and was 49% above the UK average of 1.5 per 1,000. This contrast with the UK’s lower anti-social behaviour rate highlights Bideford’s unique challenges, tied to its small-town character and seasonal visitor influx. The decrease in violence and sexual offences by 28.6% to 20 incidents may reflect the impact of targeted interventions or natural fluctuations in crime patterns during the summer months.

Bideford’s overall crime rate in June 2023 rose by 3.5% compared to May, moving from 4.5 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. While this small increase may reflect seasonal shifts, the area remains 44.7% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show an average of three crimes reported each day in June, a figure that includes both recurring and sporadic incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 214 residents, a rate that, while low, highlights the need for continued vigilance. This monthly exposure is significantly lower than the UK average, which would see one crime for every 117 residents (based on UK rate of 8.5). The population context further underscores Bideford’s relatively safe environment, with its 19,048 residents experiencing a crime rate that is both stable and well below national benchmarks. Local factors, such as Bideford’s coastal location and seasonal tourism patterns, may influence this dynamic.