Bideford Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Bideford’s built-up area recorded 147 crimes, equating to one reported incident for every 130 residents. This figure aligns precisely with the UK average of 7.7 crimes per 1,000 people, marking a stable position relative to national trends. The breakdown reveals a distinct pattern in local crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.1% of all incidents—a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents, 9% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson also feature prominently, reflecting the challenges of managing public order in a small urban centre. The seasonal context of April—Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely contributes to the higher proportion of violent crimes compared to other months. For instance, the 53 incidents of violence and sexual offences may partly explain the elevated rate, as public spaces like parks and town centres see heightened foot traffic during this period. Meanwhile, shoplifting remains below the UK average, suggesting that retail areas in Bideford may be subject to less frequent theft compared to similar towns. This data highlights a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the built environment, all of which shape the crime profile of Bideford.

April 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with Other crime surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents) and Bicycle theft doubling to 1 incident. These increases may reflect the arrival of seasonal cyclists or changes in local enforcement priorities. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), potentially linked to targeted policing efforts or a temporary reduction in illicit activity. The violent crime category, though stable overall, remains a significant concern, with 53 incidents—36.1% of all crimes—placing Bideford above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with 30 incidents (20.4% of total crimes), a rate 31% higher than the UK average. This could be tied to the Easter holiday, when transient populations may congregate in public spaces. Shoplifting, however, declined by 15.4% (from 13 to 11), remaining 10% below the UK average. This trend may indicate that local retailers have implemented effective security measures or that the town’s smaller retail footprint naturally reduces opportunities for theft. The data also shows that burglary and vehicle crime are both significantly below UK averages, with burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 (38% below) and vehicle crime at 0.1 per 1,000 (79% below). This could be attributed to Bideford’s compact layout, which may make vehicles more visible and deter opportunistic theft.

Bideford’s crime rate in April 2024 remained stable compared to March, dropping slightly from 7.8 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents—a 1.3% decrease. This minor fluctuation suggests a consistent level of crime in the area, with no dramatic spikes or declines. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of 5 crimes per day, a figure that residents may find contextualised by the local population of 19,048. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 130 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low incidence of crime in Bideford compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the town’s population, the 147 crimes recorded represent a manageable burden, particularly given the absence of major industrial or commercial hubs that often correlate with higher crime rates. The comparison to the UK average also highlights Bideford’s alignment with national trends in certain categories, such as shoplifting and burglary, while diverging in others like anti-social behaviour and violent crime. This suggests that local factors—such as community policing strategies, the character of public spaces, or the seasonal nature of Easter—play a more significant role in shaping crime patterns than broader demographic trends. For residents, these statistics offer reassurance that Bideford remains a relatively safe place to live, even as specific areas of concern, such as public order, require targeted attention.