Bideford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford’s crime rate in February 2026 reached 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 15.6% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marks a significant upward trend for the built-up area within Torridge, a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.9% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (22.7%) and anti-social behaviour (15.6%). These figures highlight a shift in crime patterns, with violent crime now outpacing property crime for the first time in recent months. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the rise in indoor-related offences such as anti-social behaviour and drug-related incidents. While shoplifting rates remain high compared to the UK average (193% above), other categories like burglary and criminal damage show marked reductions. This divergence suggests localized factors, such as the town’s retail presence and seasonal visitor patterns, could be influencing crime dynamics. The data underscores the need for targeted awareness, particularly around premises vulnerable to theft and areas experiencing spikes in disorderly conduct.

February 2026 saw alarming surges in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime increasing by 700% (from 1 to 8 incidents) and shoplifting rising by 433% (from 6 to 32). These jumps far outpace the overall crime rate increase of 44% compared to January 2026. The breakdown reveals a stark shift in crime composition: violent crimes now constitute nearly a third of all incidents, compared to property crimes at 39%. This reversal of previous trends may reflect seasonal factors, such as colder weather driving more indoor activity and associated conflicts. Shoplifting, which is 193% above the UK average, shows particular concern, likely linked to Bideford’s retail hubs and potential vulnerabilities in store security during off-peak hours. Conversely, other crime categories like burglary and criminal damage fell below UK averages, possibly due to the town’s lower population density and reduced opportunities for such offences. Residents should be vigilant in high-traffic retail areas and report suspicious behaviour promptly, as these spikes may indicate emerging patterns requiring localised policing attention.

Bideford’s crime rate in February 2026 (7.4 per 1,000) represents a 44% increase from January 2026’s rate of 5.1 per 1,000, marking one of the most significant monthly jumps in recent records. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while not unusual for a town of Bideford’s size, underscores the concentrated nature of recent incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents—a ratio that, when contextualized against the town’s population of 19,048, highlights the need for community-focused crime prevention strategies. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to national benchmarks, as Bideford’s rate is 15.6% above the UK average despite its relatively small population. The contrast between Bideford’s local data and UK-wide trends is most evident in categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which are high here. These disparities suggest that factors unique to Bideford—such as its coastal location and seasonal visitor influx—may be amplifying certain types of crime, requiring tailored approaches to address the specific challenges faced by this built-up area.