Bideford Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Bideford during August 2024 reveals a distinct profile shaped by local and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.9% of all reported crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This emphasis on violent crime contrasts with the lower share of property-related incidents, such as shoplifting (12.8%) and burglary (4.0%). The area’s overall crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents places it 4.9% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, suggesting a combination of effective policing and environmental factors that may mitigate certain types of crime. However, the seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—introduces complexities. While tourism may reduce opportunities for some crimes, such as public order offences (which were 21% below the UK average), it could also create conditions that increase risks, such as unoccupied homes elevating burglary rates. The prominence of anti-social behaviour (21.5% of total crimes) and shoplifting (12.8%) highlights vulnerabilities in public spaces and retail areas, tied to the area’s built-up character and reliance on local commerce. These patterns are consistent with Bideford’s status as a coastal town within Torridge, where seasonal fluctuations in population and economic activity influence crime trends. The balance of violent and property crimes, therefore, illustrates a dynamic interplay between local demographics, tourism cycles, and the physical environment, all of which contribute to the area’s unique crime profile.

August 2024 witnessed a 31.3% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 80 to 55 incidents. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased tourism diverting attention from local crime or heightened community vigilance during summer. Conversely, other theft and burglary rates surged by 200% and 100%, respectively, reflecting a sharp rise in property-related incidents. These increases could signal a shift in criminal focus, driven by empty homes left unoccupied during August holidays. Violence and sexual offences in Bideford (2.9 per 1,000) remained 8% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.7 per 1,000) was 18% above the national rate. This divergence underscores a unique local dynamic, with public order and criminal damage incidents falling below UK averages by 21% and 19%, respectively. A resident would find the 100% rise in burglary particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in property security during the month. These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of crime patterns, where some categories align with national trends while others diverge significantly.

Bideford's crime rate in August 2024 (7.8 per 1,000 residents) marked a 17.7% decline from the previous month's rate of 9.5 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of August, when tourism peaks and local businesses close for holidays, potentially reducing opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime activity averaged five incidents per day, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not directly compare to UK-wide averages due to the absence of national daily crime data. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s population of 19,048. This ratio contextualises the impact of crime on the community, showing that while incidents are relatively low, they remain visible to a portion of the population. The drop from the prior month suggests a possible correlation with seasonal changes, such as increased police patrols during summer or reduced foot traffic in commercial areas due to holiday closures. However, the persistence of certain crime types, like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, indicates that underlying factors—such as local demographics or economic conditions—may still play a role.