Bideford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a troubling uptick in violent and disorderly crime across Bideford, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 43.3% of all reported incidents — the most prevalent category in the built-up area. This figure, at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, was 28% above the UK average, underscoring a localised concentration of violent crime that demands attention. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.6% of total crimes (1.2 per 1,000), while public order offences — including noise disturbances and disorderly conduct — surged to 10.6% of the total (0.8 per 1,000), 63% above the UK average. These trends, occurring during a typically low-activity winter month, may reflect indoor gatherings or disruptions in routine caused by seasonal isolation. The area's overall crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, 4.2% above the UK average, highlights a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. While property crime remained relatively low — with shoplifting at 0.6 per 1,000 (11% above UK average) and burglary at 0.1 per 1,000 (67% below UK average) — the stark contrast between property and violent crime categories suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. This divergence may be linked to Bideford's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist areas, where seasonal fluctuations in population and activity levels could influence crime trends. The month's data. decline from January's rate, still presents a concerning picture for residents, particularly in the realm of public order and personal safety.

Public order offences saw a 150% increase in February, jumping from 6 to 15 incidents — a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, where Bideford's rate stood at 0.8 per 1,000. This category, which includes anti-social behaviour and disorder, was 63% above the national average, raising concerns about community tensions or disruptions in public spaces. Concurrently, theft from the person rose by 50%, with three incidents reported — a figure that may prompt residents to reassess personal security measures in high-traffic areas. Other theft also climbed 42.9%, from 7 to 10 cases, though this category remained 9% below the UK average. Burglary fell by 75%, dropping from 4 to 1 incident, a trend consistent with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with property crime declining while violent and disorderly incidents surged.

Bideford's crime rate in February 2024 (7.4 per 1,000 residents) marks a 9.6% decline from the previous month's 8.2 per 1,000, reflecting a seasonal lull typical of winter months. Daily crime activity averaged 5 incidents per day over 29 days, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported crime within the built-up area. When scaled to the population of 19,048, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 135 residents — a metric that underscores the relative frequency of incidents in a community of this size. While the overall rate remains 4.2% above the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests a possible alignment with pre-spring patterns, though spikes in specific categories like public order offences indicate ongoing challenges. This comparison highlights both progress and areas requiring vigilance, offering residents a tangible benchmark against which to assess local safety trends.