Bideford Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford’s crime rate in July 2024 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.1% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime, where 80 incidents were recorded—47% above the UK average for this category. The town’s crime profile reflects the seasonal rhythms of a coastal resort, with violence and sexual offences (44.2% of total crimes) likely influenced by the influx of visitors during peak summer months. Anti-social behaviour (21.6% of total crimes) and criminal damage and arson (8.8%) also feature prominently, possibly linked to the town’s vibrant nightlife and festival calendar. While the overall rate exceeds national averages, the data suggests a combination of local factors: the high proportion of violent crime may be connected to increased foot traffic in tourist areas, while property crimes (38 total) remain relatively low compared to other UK regions. The town’s built-up area within Torridge, a rural district with a mix of coastal and inland communities, may contribute to this pattern, though further analysis would be needed to confirm such connections. The seasonal context of July—schools out, festivals, and outdoor events—likely amplifies certain crime trends, particularly in public spaces where crowds gather.

July 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with 'other crime' and 'possession of weapons' both increasing by 200% compared to the previous month. This surge, from 2 to 6 and 1 to 3 respectively, may reflect heightened enforcement activity or shifts in criminal behaviour during the summer. Conversely, 'other theft' and 'public order' offences both declined sharply—by 50% and 47.1% respectively—potentially linked to improved community policing efforts or reduced public gatherings. The town’s violent crime rate (4.2 per 1,000) remains higher than the UK average for this category (2.9 per 1,000), suggesting a persistent challenge in managing incidents of violence and sexual offences. While property crimes (38 total) remain below the UK average for burglary and vehicle crime, the 3.3% above UK average for 'shoplifting' indicates targeted retail theft remains a concern. For residents, the 181 total crimes reported in July—6 per day—provide a concrete metric for assessing local safety in the context of the area’s seasonal dynamics.

Bideford’s crime rate in July 2024 (9.5 per 1,000) was 3.7% lower than the previous month’s rate of 9.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend despite the overall elevation compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 105 residents, a monthly aggregate that offers context for local residents assessing risk. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 6 crimes per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the challenges of managing crime in a tourist destination. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Bideford’s 19,048 residents experienced a crime rate 13.1% above the national average, with violent crime being the most significant driver of this gap. This comparison underscores the need for tailored strategies to address the unique dynamics of a coastal resort, where seasonal fluctuations and visitor activity may amplify certain crime types. While the rate is not catastrophically high, the disparity with the UK average highlights the importance of understanding local patterns, such as the disproportionate impact of violence and sexual offences, to inform targeted interventions.