Bideford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bideford's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 25% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8. This performance places the area among the safer built-up areas in the region, though it remains a modest improvement over the previous year's figures. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 48% of all reported incidents (47 cases), a rate (2.5 per 1,000) exactly matching the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely (17 cases, 17.4% of total), with a rate (0.9 per 1,000) 3% below the national figure. Public order offences (7 cases, 7.1%) also showed a 5% deficit relative to UK averages, reflecting the area's seasonal dynamics. The post-holiday period in January likely contributed to reduced retail footfall, which may partly explain the 47% lower shoplifting rate compared to the UK average. This aligns with Bideford's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where seasonal transitions often influence crime patterns. The absence of significant spikes in property crime (20 cases, 20.4% of total) contrasts with the UK's higher emphasis on burglary and vehicle-related offences, suggesting local factors such as community cohesion and policing strategies may be playing a role. While violent crime rates remain consistent with national benchmarks, the overall decline in property crime and the low incidence of drug-related offences (1 case, 1.0%) indicate a relatively stable environment. The data illustrates a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and law enforcement efforts, with no single factor dominating the crime picture.

January 2026 saw notable decreases in several crime categories, with criminal damage and arson falling by 55.6% (from 9 to 4 cases) and drugs-related offences dropping by 50% (from 2 to 1). These reductions, consistent with the post-holiday lull and reduced outdoor activity during shorter days, suggest a seasonal influence on property crime. Conversely, anti-social behaviour increased by 30.8% (13 to 17 cases), possibly reflecting the return of students or seasonal shifts in community dynamics. Public order offences also rose by 16.7% (6 to 7 cases), though they remained below the UK average. The most striking localised anomaly was the 87% higher rate of 'other crime' compared to the UK average, a category that may include unclassified incidents or localised issues requiring further investigation. Meanwhile, shoplifting in Bideford was 47% below the national average, a figure that could be attributed to the town's smaller retail footprint and the absence of large shopping centres. Vehicle crime also fell by 50% (from 2 to 1 case), linked to reduced traffic congestion during the winter months. These fluctuations highlight the importance of contextual analysis, as Bideford's unique geography and population profile shape crime trends differently than larger urban centres. The data offers a nuanced picture, with some categories aligning closely with UK averages while others diverge significantly, underscoring the need for targeted localised strategies.

Bideford's crime rate in January 2026 (5.1 per 1,000 residents) represented a 5.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.5, continuing a trend of gradual improvement. This decline, though modest, translates to approximately 3 crimes reported per day across the town's population of 19,048 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 194 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in human terms. When compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, Bideford's performance remains better, though the gap has narrowed slightly from previous years. The daily crime context (3 crimes per day) provides a tangible measure for residents, allowing them to assess local safety against the backdrop of national statistics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the likelihood of experiencing a crime in Bideford is lower than the UK average, but the distribution of crime types remains distinct. For example, while the UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, Bideford's rate was 0.3 per 1,000, highlighting a localised trend that may reflect the town's retail environment. These comparative figures are essential for understanding how Bideford's unique characteristics—its coastal location, smaller population, and community-focused policing—interact with broader national crime patterns. The data underscores that while the town's overall safety is improving, specific crime categories require continued attention to maintain the current trajectory.