Bideford Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime rate in Bideford for June 2024 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 20.7% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and national trends, with the built-up area within Torridge experiencing a rise in violent and anti-social offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.7% of all recorded crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (which equates to 30% above the national rate). Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 26.1% of total crimes, a rate 86% higher than the UK average. These patterns are consistent with the characteristics of a small coastal town, where the onset of summer often correlates with increased social activity and, consequently, higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting also saw a marked increase, with 19 incidents reported (1.0 per 1,000 residents), 61% above the UK average. The seasonal context of June, with its longer days and the beginning of the tourist season, likely contributes to these dynamics. While property crimes remained relatively low, the overall crime profile underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic and social interaction. The data also reveals that certain categories, such as other theft and burglary, fell below UK averages, suggesting that local factors may be mitigating some forms of criminal activity. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the unique social and geographic context of Bideford when interpreting crime statistics.

June 2024 saw notable month-on-month increases in burglary, theft from the person, and possession of weapons, each rising by 100% compared to May. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, suggest emerging patterns that may warrant closer attention from local authorities. The crime mix in Bideford remains heavily skewed towards violent and anti-social offences, with violence and sexual offences (36.7% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (26.1%) far exceeding their UK counterparts. The latter category, in particular, was 86% above the national average, a figure that may reflect the social dynamics of a small coastal town during the summer season. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary saw declines, with vehicle crime dropping 50% and burglary rising only in absolute terms despite a 67% deficit compared to the UK average. For residents, the doubling of burglary cases from one to two incidents in a single month is a concrete data point that may influence local safety perceptions and responses.

Bideford's crime rate in June 2024 rose to 9.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.4% increase from the previous month's 9.2 per 1,000. This upward trend aligns with seasonal patterns typical of coastal towns, where the start of summer often brings increased foot traffic and social activity. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately six crimes reported each day, a figure that, while modest, reflects a consistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 19,000. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while the overall crime rate remains relatively low, the impact is distributed across the population. When compared to the UK average, Bideford's rate of 9.9 per 1,000 is higher, but the local context of a small built-up area within a rural district may contribute to this disparity. The population-scaled perspective underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to the area's specific needs.