Bideford Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's crime profile in May 2023 reveals a stark contrast between local trends and national averages. The town's overall crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents—43.8% below the UK average—positions it as one of the safest areas in the country. Anti-social behaviour, the most prevalent category, accounted for 41.9% of all reported crimes (36 incidents), significantly exceeding the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000 (Bideford's rate was 1.9 per 1,000). This spike may be linked to the seasonal context of May, which includes longer evenings and bank holidays that could increase outdoor socialising and associated disturbances. Violence and sexual offences, the second-largest category (32.6% of total crimes), remained 46% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Bideford's likely status as a smaller, low-density area where community cohesion may temper violent incidents. Criminal damage and arson, though a small share of total crimes (9.3%), saw a 300% increase from April, reflecting the impact of warmer weather on outdoor activities and the risk of unattended fires. These patterns suggest that while Bideford's overall safety is notable, specific seasonal factors and local demographics may influence the distribution of crime types, warranting further analysis of how environmental and social conditions interact in this built-up area within Torridge.

May 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with criminal damage and arson surging by 300% (from 2 to 8 incidents), while drug-related crimes fell by 80% (from 5 to 1). This dramatic shift highlights a potential seasonal influence, as longer evenings and increased social activity in May may have contributed to property-related offences. Anti-social behaviour, the most common crime, rose by 44% to 36 incidents, significantly outpacing the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000 (Bideford's rate was 1.9 per 1,000). Meanwhile, violent crimes—despite being 46% below the UK average—remained the second-largest category, with 28 incidents. Residents may find the 80% drop in drug-related crimes noteworthy, as it suggests a possible reduction in associated public order issues. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local conditions and broader national trends from the data alone.

Bideford's crime rate in May 2023 rose slightly to 4.5 per 1,000 residents from 4.4 per 1,000 in April, marking a 3.4% increase. This small upward trend contrasts with the area's overall position as one of the safest in the UK, with crime rates remaining 43.8% below the national average. On a daily basis, the town saw approximately three crimes reported each day in May, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime for every 221 residents over the course of the month. While the increase from April is modest, Bideford's population density and geographic context—likely a coastal or rural area with limited urban sprawl—may contribute to the stability of its crime rates despite seasonal fluctuations. The low daily crime count suggests that even with the 3.4% rise, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, particularly when compared to larger cities with higher population densities.