In November 2025, Bideford's crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents placed it 5.5% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This coastal town's crime profile shows a stark imbalance between violent and property crime, with violent offences accounting for 38.4% of all recorded incidents compared to 26.3% for property crimes. Violence and sexual offences dominated the breakdown, representing 2.9 per 1,000 residents—13% above the UK average for this category. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings and Bonfire Night events, may partly explain the elevated rates of public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.4 per 1,000), both of which were significantly higher than national averages. This pattern contrasts with the UK's broader trend of declining vehicle crime, as Bideford's rates for this category were 75% below the national average. The town's proximity to coastal tourism routes and its status as a historic market town likely contribute to its unique crime dynamics, where public spaces and social gatherings may amplify opportunities for violent and disorderly incidents. The data suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic during evening hours, while the relatively low property crime rates indicate that residential burglary and vehicle theft remain less prevalent compared to other UK locations.