Bideford Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Bideford's crime profile in October 2023, accounting for 37.7% of all reported incidents—a rate of 2.3 per 1,000, 15% below the UK average. This category's prominence may be linked to the area's coastal character and the influence of seasonal factors such as the autumnal transition to darker evenings, which can increase opportunities for certain types of crime. The overall crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 for the built-up area was 25% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap that reflects Bideford's generally lower crime profile compared to national trends. Anti-social behaviour followed as the second most common category, with 32 incidents reported at a rate of 1.7 per 1,000, 33% above the UK average, possibly indicating localized pressures such as increased foot traffic in town centres or the impact of Halloween activities. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences saw significant drops, with the latter falling 66% below the UK average. These patterns may be influenced by Bideford's smaller population and the characteristics of its built-up area, which likely includes a mix of residential and commercial spaces that shape the types of crimes reported. The seasonal context of October, with its shorter days and the approach of Halloween, may also have played a role in shaping the crime profile, though the exact connections remain speculative without further data.

October 2023 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting cases doubling from 4 to 8—a 100% increase—potentially influenced by Halloween-related activity. Other crime and drugs also rose sharply, with both categories doubling from 1 to 2 incidents, highlighting emerging trends that may reflect seasonal or localized factors. Conversely, theft from the person and possession of weapons both fell by 50%, suggesting possible reductions in targeted crimes or improved community engagement. Anti-social behaviour remained 33% above the UK average, with 32 incidents reported, while vehicle crime dropped 62% below the UK average. These contrasting trends underscore the need for nuanced analysis, as the increase in anti-social behaviour may relate to the area's coastal character and seasonal changes in foot traffic, whereas the decline in vehicle crime could indicate effective local policing strategies or reduced commuter activity during the month.

Bideford's crime rate in October 2023 rose 21.3% from the previous month's 4.9 per 1,000 to 6.0 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in local crime dynamics. Over the 31-day period, 114 crimes were recorded, averaging 4 incidents per day—a figure that, while modest, underscores the ongoing presence of crime in the area. When scaled to the population of 19,048, this translates to one reported crime for every 167 residents over the course of the month, a monthly aggregate that offers context for community awareness. This rate remains 25% below the UK average, but the upward trend from September suggests potential influences such as seasonal transitions, including the autumnal shift to darker evenings and the approach of Halloween. The increase in anti-social behaviour (33% above the UK average) and criminal damage (11% above the UK average) contrasts with the decline in vehicle crime (62% below the UK average), indicating a combination of local factors that may include changes in community activity or policing priorities.