Bideford Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's crime profile in November 2024 reveals a stark contrast between violent and property crime, with the former accounting for nearly 40% of all incidents. At 7.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's rate is 6.6% below the UK average of 7.6, a figure that underscores its relatively low overall risk compared to national benchmarks. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 2.8 per 1,000—9% above the UK average. This may be influenced by local factors such as the proximity of Bideford to coastal tourism areas, where seasonal events like Bonfire Night can temporarily elevate tensions. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 1.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, 44% above the national average. This suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic or during events that draw larger crowds. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime remained below UK levels, possibly reflecting the area's smaller retail footprint and limited commuter traffic. The seasonal context of November—marked by dark evenings and the start of the festive shopping period—may have influenced the balance between violent and property crime, though the exact relationship requires further analysis.

November 2024 saw a notable shift in crime patterns, with violent crimes dominating at 53 incidents—nearly double the 32 property crimes recorded. This imbalance, particularly when compared to the UK average, may reflect local dynamics such as the impact of Bonfire Night events or the start of the festive shopping season. Month-on-month changes revealed a 100% increase in vehicle crime and bicycle theft, though these remain well below UK averages. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 47.4% and burglary by 50%, suggesting potential success in targeted policing efforts around high-street retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 22.8% of all crimes, was 44% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in community engagement and public order management.

Bideford's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 17.6% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.7 to 7.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late autumn, when colder evenings and reduced foot traffic in retail areas may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in November, a figure that contextualises the monthly total within the rhythm of local life. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 140 residents, a ratio that suggests the population's exposure to crime remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to Bideford's population of 19,048, this translates to a manageable level of risk for most residents, though the higher-than-average rates of violence and anti-social behaviour warrant closer attention to community safety initiatives.