Bideford Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2025, Bideford recorded 165 crimes, translating to 8.7 incidents per 1,000 residents—13% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. For a population of 19,048, this equates to roughly one reported crime for every 115 residents over the course of the month. The crime profile shows a significant focus on violent crime, with 65 incidents of violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly 40% of total crimes. This category alone was 30% higher than the UK average, a pattern consistent with the area's seasonal rhythms. April's Easter period and spring weather likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may partly explain the spike in violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour (18.8% of total crimes) and shoplifting (13.9%) followed as the most common categories, with shoplifting at 82% above the UK average. These figures align with Bideford's coastal retail presence and tourist season, which often see higher foot traffic in town centres. The crime mix shows a clear skew towards property-related offences (54 total) and violent crime (65 total), with property crimes making up 33% of the total and violent crimes 40%. This balance contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. Seasonal factors like the Easter holiday and warmer weather may have influenced these patterns. The town's mix of residential and tourist areas likely contributes to this dynamic, with increased activity in public spaces during the spring months.

April 2025 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, including a 200% rise in theft from the person (from 1 to 3 incidents) and a 43.8% increase in shoplifting (16 to 23). These jumps, though small in absolute terms, highlight vulnerabilities in personal security during peak tourist periods. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), a drop that may reflect seasonal changes in illicit activity or temporary reductions in demand during the Easter break. The shift in crime mix is notable: while property crimes (54) remained the second-largest category, violent crimes (65) now accounted for the largest share of total incidents. This shift contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences typically represent around 30% of all crimes. Shoplifting, at 82% above the UK average, may be linked to Bideford's retail sector and the increased foot traffic during the Easter holiday. Meanwhile, public order offences—unlike most other categories—were 7% below the UK average, suggesting possible local efforts to manage public spaces effectively during the month. For residents, the 200% increase in theft from the person underscores the importance of vigilance in crowded areas, particularly during the Easter weekend when visitor numbers typically rise.

Bideford's crime rate in April 2025 (8.7 per 1,000) represents a 13.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.6 per 1,000, marking a clear upward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately 6 crimes per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's ongoing challenges with public safety. Over the course of the month, the 1-in-115 resident ratio highlights the frequency of crime in a relatively small population, a statistic that may feel more tangible to residents than the broader national averages. Compared to the UK as a whole, Bideford's rate remains higher, though the gap between local and national figures has narrowed slightly from previous months. The population context is crucial: with 19,048 residents, the 165 crimes recorded in April represent a significant burden on a community of this size, particularly when considering the proportion of violent and property crimes involved. This monthly exposure—1 crime for every 115 residents—translates to a tangible risk for locals, especially in areas with high foot traffic or seasonal activity. The contrast with the previous month's rate also suggests that factors such as Easter-related events or weather shifts may have played a role in the increase, though the exact causes remain speculative without further data.