Great Torrington Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected development in November 2024 was the 300% surge in public order offences, a category that rose from one to four incidents. This spike, which now accounts for 12.1% of total crimes, contrasts sharply with the area’s overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents—25% below the UK average of 7.6. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, comprising 39.4% of all crimes (13 incidents), with a rate of 2.3 per 1,000, 11% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed, making up 27.3% of crimes (9 incidents), though this rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 44% above the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping, likely influenced these patterns. For example, the sharp rise in public order offences may be linked to increased social gatherings during festivals, while the low property crime rate (6 incidents) suggests effective local deterrents. The data also reveals that other theft and vehicle crime categories fell below UK averages by 64% and 55% respectively, indicating a safer environment for personal property. However, the 300% increase in public order offences raises questions about how local initiatives or seasonal events might have contributed to this sudden shift. The overall picture, while reassuring in its low rate compared to the UK, highlights the need for targeted strategies to address emerging trends in public disorder.

The most striking change in November was the 300% increase in public order offences, jumping from one incident to four. This category, which includes disturbances and anti-social behaviour, now accounts for 12.1% of total crimes, significantly above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. Concurrently, theft from the person and vehicle crime each saw 100% increases, rising from zero to one reported incident. These spikes contrast with a 50% decrease in other theft cases, which fell from two to one. The shift in crime mix also reveals a notable trend: violent crimes (13 incidents) now dominate, making up 39.4% of total crimes, compared to property crimes (6 incidents). This violent crime rate of 2.3 per 1,000 is 11% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, illustrating a complex balance between local safety and specific incident types. For residents, the 300% jump in public order offences may raise concerns about community cohesion, particularly during events like Bonfire Night, which often coincide with increased disturbances.

Great Torrington’s crime rate in November 2024 rose by 26.9% compared to the previous month, climbing from 4.5 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend contrasts with the area’s overall position below the UK average but highlights short-term volatility. On a daily basis, the local rate translates to roughly one crime reported per day across the built-up area, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of November, one crime occurred for every 175 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the scale of incidents in relation to the population. This rate, while low compared to national averages, underscores the importance of localised patterns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the 33 total crimes represent a small but noticeable proportion of the 5,783 residents, suggesting that while the area remains relatively safe, specific incidents—such as the sharp rise in public order offences—can affect community perceptions. The shift from October to November also reflects seasonal factors, including darker evenings and events like Bonfire Night, which may contribute to temporary spikes in certain crime categories.