Bideford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's crime profile in November 2023 reveals a nuanced balance between property and violent crime, with the area's overall rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents marking an 8% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.5. This rate, while slightly higher than the previous month's 6.0, reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal factors. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 33.3% of all reported crimes, a figure 119% above the UK average. This suggests a potential link to the area's coastal character and the impact of events like Bonfire Night, which often coincide with increased public disorder. Violence and sexual offences formed the second-largest category at 31.8%, though this rate remains 15% below the national average—a contrast to the elevated anti-social behaviour figures. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings and the proximity of Black Friday shopping, may contribute to patterns observed in anti-social behaviour and retail-related crimes. The relatively low violent crime rate compared to the UK average may indicate a combination of local policing strategies, community cohesion, and the area's demographic profile as a small town with limited nightlife infrastructure.

November 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 133.3%, jumping from 3 to 7 incidents, a shift that may partly explain the overall rate increase. Other theft also rose sharply, with a 125% increase from 4 to 9 cases, suggesting heightened activity in areas with retail or commercial presence. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 50%, likely influenced by seasonal factors such as Black Friday promotions drawing attention away from smaller-scale theft. Violent crime, though forming the largest share of reported incidents (31.8%), remained 15% below the UK average, a contrast to the 119% above average for anti-social behaviour. This divergence highlights Bideford's unique crime profile, where property crimes and anti-social behaviour dominate but violent crime remains comparatively lower than the national trend.

Bideford's crime rate in November 2023 rose by 15.9% compared to the previous month, climbing from 6.0 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, places the area within the UK's broader context of fluctuating crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 4 crimes per day in November, a figure that, while locally relevant, cannot be directly compared to national daily averages. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 144 residents. This rate, while lower than the UK average, reflects a dynamic interplay between local factors and national patterns. The population context further highlights that Bideford's relatively low crime rate is consistent with its character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where community engagement and policing efforts may contribute to sustained safety levels.