Great Torrington Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Great Torrington

Great Torrington registers an overall crime rate of 63.0 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to a strong safety score of 85 out of 100, positioning the town as notably safer than the national average of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend, with a significant 26.8% rise in crime year-over-year. These statistics provide a comprehensive view of the local crime environment, offering residents and those considering the area valuable insights into safety and security.

Crime Type Analysis in Great Torrington

The dominant crime types in Great Torrington are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 40.7% of all crimes, with 148 incidents recorded (25.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, making up 20.9% of crimes with 76 incidents (13.1 per 1,000), often impacting public order. Criminal damage and arson follow, representing 9.3% of the total, with 34 incidents (5.9 per 1,000).

The overall property crime rate in Great Torrington, covering burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 16.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, while personal safety concerns around violence and anti-social behaviour are present, the risk of property-specific crimes remains comparatively low, though vigilance is always recommended, particularly given the recent upward trend in overall crime.

Crime Trends in Great Torrington

Great Torrington has experienced a significant increasing crime trend, with a 26.8% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate saw an initial dip to 3.6 in December 2024, followed by a steady increase in early 2025, reaching 7.3 in March. While there was a drop in April and May, the rate then climbed again, closing at 6.6 in September 2025. This pronounced upward trend, especially in certain months, suggests a developing pattern that residents should be aware of, possibly indicating a need for enhanced community safety measures.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Great Torrington

Crime patterns in Great Torrington exhibit varied activity across different times of the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are notable for a significant proportion of "Other" crime types at 50%, alongside theft (35%) and vehicle crime (10%). In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), "Other" crimes remain prominent at 49%, with theft at 38% and a slightly higher proportion of burglary. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), "Other" crimes become even more dominant, reaching 71%, while theft significantly reduces to 13%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime sees its highest proportion at 25%, with "Other" crimes still high at 59%, alongside a consistent presence of burglary. This suggests that while general criminal activity is spread, vehicle-related offences are a particular concern during late hours, and "Other" crimes define much of the town's non-property-specific criminal behaviour.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Great Torrington's crime rate of 63.0 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark against its surrounding areas. Compared to smaller rural settlements like Littleham, Petrockstowe, and Dolton, Great Torrington's crime rate is generally higher, reflecting its status as a larger market town with more activity. However, it maintains a significantly lower crime rate than the more urban Bideford, suggesting a comparatively quieter environment. Its property crime rate of 16.1 per 1,000 is also favourable when placed against the regional average, offering residents a degree of reassurance. This comparison helps to contextualise Great Torrington's safety profile within the wider Torridge district.

Protecting Your Property in Great Torrington

With Great Torrington experiencing an increasing crime trend and a property crime rate of 16.1 per 1,000, proactive home security is a pertinent consideration for residents. While conventional CCTV merely records events, it often captures the aftermath of a burglary rather than preventing it. For true peace of mind, a shift towards proactive prevention is advisable.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a robust solution, designed to prevent crime before it happens. This system detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to provide comprehensive surveillance. Advanced features, including DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, help to distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. For homeowners in Great Torrington, investing in professional-grade security that actively deters intruders can be highly effective. The visible presence of such a system often causes potential burglars to move on within 60 seconds, prioritising prevention over reactive recording of incidents.