Bideford Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's January 2024 crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents places it 10.8% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety within the built-up area. The data reveals a distinct pattern in crime distribution, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 37.8% of all incidents (59 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.7%, 26 cases) and criminal damage and arson (10.9%, 17 cases). This concentration of violent and disorderly crimes contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences represent 2.6 per 1,000 (19% below Bideford's rate). The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall — may partly explain the lower incidence of shoplifting compared to peak shopping months. However, the 58% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) suggests that local factors, such as the town's retail presence or specific vulnerabilities in certain areas, could contribute to this disparity. Meanwhile, the 41% above UK average rate for anti-social behaviour (1.4 vs 1.0 per 1,000) indicates a need for enhanced community engagement strategies, particularly in areas prone to disorder. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention efforts to Bideford's unique characteristics as a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

January 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting increasing by 142.9% (7 to 17 incidents) — a stark contrast to the 58% UK average for the same category. This surge, coupled with a 150% rise in drug-related offences (2 to 5), highlights emerging trends that may reflect post-holiday activity or shifts in local dynamics. Conversely, other theft decreased by 30% (10 to 7), offering a counterbalance to the overall upward trend. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent concern, with 26 incidents (1.4 per 1,000) — 41% above the UK average — underscoring challenges in community management. The 100% increase in possession of weapons (0 to 2) signals a worrying development. These shifts illustrate a combination of local factors and broader national trends, with property crimes (55) and violent crimes (59) each accounting for significant shares of the total. The 37.8% share of violence and sexual offences (59 incidents) — 19% above the UK average — further emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.

Bideford's January 2024 crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents represents a 25.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.5 per 1,000. This rise translates to an average of five reported crimes per day across the built-up area, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not directly compare to UK-wide daily averages. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates the area within a broader demographic context. With a population of 19,048, the local crime profile must be viewed through the lens of Bideford's specific characteristics — a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. While the overall rate exceeds the UK average by 10.8%, the distribution of crimes reflects local patterns rather than a uniform national trend. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the increase, the absolute number of incidents remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres, though the proportional disparity to the UK average warrants attention.