Great Torrington Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Great Torrington’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure 18.1% below the UK average of 7.2. This relatively low rate positions the area as safer than the national average, though the December data reveals a combination of trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.2% of all crimes, making them the most common category, followed by criminal damage and arson (20.6%) and anti-social behaviour (17.7%). These figures align with the seasonal rhythm of December, a time marked by dark evenings, increased social gatherings, and the logistical challenges of the holiday season. The spike in criminal damage and arson—now at 1.2 per 1,000—may be linked to the higher incidence of unoccupied homes during the festive period, potentially creating opportunities for such offences. Conversely, the drop in other theft by 50% suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal patterns may have temporarily curtailed these crimes. The area’s overall safety profile, however, remains consistent with its rural character, where crime rates are generally lower than in urban centres. The mix of violent and property crimes, while not uncommon, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance, particularly in addressing the sharp rise in arson and damage-related incidents. As a built-up area within Torridge, Great Torrington’s crime picture reflects a balance between localised challenges and the broader advantages of its relatively sparse population and community-focused environment.

December 2023 witnessed a dramatic 100% increase in crimes involving public order, criminal damage and arson, and vehicle crime—each of which rose from zero to one, seven, and three incidents respectively. This shift contrasts with a 50% decrease in other theft, which fell from two to one. The area’s violent crime rate—2.3 per 1,000—was 12% below the UK average of 2.6, suggesting local efforts in addressing violence may be showing some effect. However, criminal damage and arson surged to 1.2 per 1,000, a staggering 114% above the UK average of 0.6. This anomaly could be linked to seasonal factors, such as empty homes during the holiday period or increased festive-related activities. Residents may find the 100% jump in public order offences particularly concerning, as these incidents often occur in public spaces and can disrupt community safety.

December 2023 saw a marked shift in crime dynamics compared to November, with the area’s crime rate doubling to 5.9 per 1,000 residents—a 100% increase from the previous month’s 2.9. This rise, though significant, remains 18.1% below the UK average of 7.2. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day in December, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 170 residents. For context, this means that over the course of the month, each resident had a 1-in-170 chance of being directly affected by a crime. While this may seem low, the spike in specific categories like criminal damage and arson—up 100% from zero to seven incidents—suggests localized factors may have contributed. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the increase, the area’s crime rate remains lower than the UK average, which could reflect broader regional differences in policing, community engagement, or socioeconomic conditions.