Bideford Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Bideford, the crime rate in March 2023 offers a nuanced picture of daily risk, shaped by both local patterns and broader national trends. The overall rate of 6.1 crimes per 1,000 residents places the area 19.7% below the UK average of 7.6, a difference that translates into a lower probability of encountering crime for individuals living here. This rate, however, masks a complex distribution of offence types, with violent crimes—particularly violence and sexual offences—dominating the landscape. These incidents accounted for nearly half of all recorded crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category. The seasonal transition to spring, with its longer evenings, may have contributed to an environment where such crimes are more likely to occur. Anti-social behaviour, in contrast, was lower than the UK average, suggesting that community dynamics or local policing efforts may play a role in mitigating this type of activity. The data also reveals that property-related crimes, such as shoplifting and vehicle crime, were proportionally lower than violent offences, a trend consistent with the area’s built-up character and potential differences in social interaction patterns. This mix of crime types, combined with the area’s position relative to national averages, provides a framework for understanding how everyday life in Bideford intersects with the realities of crime.

The breakdown of crimes in March 2023 reveals a notable concentration of violent incidents, with violence and sexual offences comprising 47% of all recorded crimes. This category, though 6% above the UK average, contrasts sharply with anti-social behaviour, which was 23% below the national benchmark. The disparity highlights a shift in crime mix, with violent offences dominating over property-related crimes. Shoplifting, at 0.5 per 1,000, was 2% above the UK average, a minor but measurable deviation that may reflect local retail activity patterns. Meanwhile, public order offences were 53% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of disturbances in public spaces compared to other areas. These variations offer residents a specific lens through which to assess their personal risk, with violent crimes forming the most immediate concern for local communities.

For residents of Bideford, the crime rate in March 2023 translates to roughly four reported crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of daily life in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 163 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the broader UK context. With a population of 19,048, this rate underscores the town’s position as a place where crime is not an everyday occurrence but remains a consideration for residents. The daily crime count, while modest, reflects the persistent presence of certain crime types, such as violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly half of all recorded incidents. This contrasts with categories like anti-social behaviour, which were 23% below the UK average, suggesting a community dynamic that may differ from more densely populated urban centres. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that property crimes, while significant, remain proportionally lower than violent offences, a pattern consistent with the area’s built-up character and local social interactions.