Bideford Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford’s July 2025 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents places it 2.3% below the UK average of 8.6, reflecting a slightly safer profile than the national picture. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (39.4% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (26.3%) and public order offences (8.1%). These patterns align with July’s seasonal context: peak summer, school holidays, and a surge in tourism and outdoor events. While violent crime remains a concern, the overall rate is tempered by lower property crime (30 total incidents, or 18.8% of all crimes), suggesting a balance between public safety challenges and community resilience. The area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity may contribute to the prominence of anti-social behaviour and public order issues, particularly in high-traffic areas. However, the relatively low burglary rate (0.6 per 1,000, 63% below the UK average) indicates effective local security measures or lower opportunities for property crime in this built-up area. Seasonal factors such as festivals and increased foot traffic during summer likely amplify certain crime types, though the overall rate remains stable compared to other UK regions. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories while maintaining the area’s generally safer-than-average status.

July 2025 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with anti-social behaviour rising by 90.9% (from 22 to 42 incidents) and possession of weapons surging by 100% (from 2 to 4). These jumps, particularly in anti-social behaviour, may reflect the heightened activity associated with summer festivals and extended public hours. Conversely, burglary fell by 80% (from 5 to 1), and theft from the person dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), suggesting improved security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes during the month. The area’s violence and sexual offences rate (3.3 per 1,000) was 9% above the UK average, highlighting a critical area for local policing focus. Meanwhile, shoplifting incidents were 23% below the UK average (0.5 vs 0.7 per 1,000), potentially due to the area’s lower retail density compared to major urban centres. These contrasting trends illustrate the complexity of crime patterns in Bideford, where seasonal activity amplifies certain risks while others decline. Residents may find the significant drop in burglary reassuring, though the rise in anti-social behaviour underscores the need for community engagement strategies during peak tourist months.

Bideford’s crime rate in July 2025 (8.4 per 1,000) marks a 25% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.7 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in the area’s crime profile. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while modest, may feel more pronounced during summer when tourism and local events draw larger crowds. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Bideford in the mid-range of UK towns but with a distinct emphasis on violent and anti-social crimes. This rate is lower than the UK average for burglary (63% below) and shoplifting (23% below), but significantly higher for anti-social behaviour (42% above the UK average) and drug-related offences (43% above). The population context—19,048 residents—means that each crime impacts a proportionally smaller segment of the community compared to larger urban areas. However, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons suggests that localized factors, such as increased alcohol consumption during festivals, may be contributing to this shift. These trends highlight the importance of balancing tourism-driven economic benefits with targeted crime prevention strategies tailored to Bideford’s unique seasonal rhythms.