Bideford Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Bideford's crime profile in October 2024, accounting for 41.2% of all reported crimes. At 8.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate sits 7.4% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This pattern aligns with the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and retail spaces, where late-night activity and seasonal events may contribute to higher rates of violent crime. The breakdown shows a clear distinction between property and violent crime: while property crimes account for 30.3% of the total (50 incidents), violent crimes dominate with 68 cases. This imbalance is consistent with Bideford's proximity to popular tourist routes and its status as a hub for local services, which may increase exposure to incidents involving alcohol or disputes. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings and the approach of Halloween—likely amplifies risks associated with nightlife and public spaces. Anti-social behaviour (15.8% of total crimes) and shoplifting (11.5%) also feature prominently, reflecting the influence of high streets and community centres on local crime patterns. While the UK average for violent crime is 2.7 per 1,000, Bideford's rate of 3.6 per 1,000 indicates a notable local challenge that may require targeted interventions. These figures provide a snapshot of the area's crime profile, illustrating the interplay between geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms.

October 2024 saw significant month-on-month increases in several crime categories, including a 166.7% rise in other theft (from 3 to 8 incidents) and an 116.7% surge in public order offences (from 6 to 13). These changes suggest a shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly linked to the Halloween season and increased foot traffic in local areas. The rise in burglary (100% increase, from 0 to 6 cases) is particularly noteworthy, indicating a potential vulnerability in property security during this period. Conversely, some categories showed marked declines, including an 80% reduction in possession of weapons (from 5 to 1 incident), which may reflect heightened policing efforts or seasonal changes in criminal activity. Bideford's violent crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents is 35% above the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, highlighting a specific challenge for local authorities. Shoplifting, at 1.0 per 1,000 (39% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000), further underscores the impact of retail environments on crime trends. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories responding directly to seasonal factors while others reflect more persistent issues.

Bideford's crime rate in October 2024 (8.7 per 1,000 residents) represents a 28.9% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000, marking one of the most significant monthly jumps in recent records. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not directly compare to national averages due to the absence of UK-wide daily crime data. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for residents considering their personal risk. This rate is higher than the UK average when considering violent crime specifically, but lower for categories like burglary and vehicle crime, which may reflect Bideford's unique demographic and geographic characteristics. The population context is critical: with 19,048 residents, even small absolute changes in crime numbers can translate to meaningful shifts in local crime perception. The previous month's rate (6.7 per 1,000) was lower, suggesting that October's increase may be tied to seasonal factors such as darker evenings or events like Halloween. These comparisons highlight the importance of viewing crime statistics through both local and national lenses, acknowledging that Bideford's challenges are distinct yet part of broader UK trends.