Torridge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 saw Torridge maintain its status as one of the UK’s safest areas, with a crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents — 63.7% below the national average of 8.0. The local profile remains characterised by low levels of property crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly half (47.5%) of all recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour (19.8%) and criminal damage and arson (10.4%) followed as the next most common categories, reflecting patterns often seen in areas with strong community policing and limited commercial activity. The seasonal transition of September, marked by the return to school and university freshers’ week, appears to have had a mixed impact: while violent crime increased by 18.5% compared to August, this remains significantly below UK averages for the category. The area’s low levels of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000) suggest a community profile that may include fewer high-footfall retail zones or commuter hubs, contributing to the sustained safety record. These figures align with Torridge’s historical position as a rural district with a lower population density, where community engagement and limited urban sprawl may help deter certain types of crime.

September 2023 marked a notable shift in crime patterns, with violent crime rising by 18.5% to 96 incidents — still 49% below the UK average for the category. This increase, though significant, remains within the context of Torridge’s historically low violent crime rates, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as the start of the academic year and increased social activity in local areas. Conversely, burglary rates fell sharply by 66.7% compared to August, with only three incidents recorded, a stark contrast to the nine reported the previous month. This drop may reflect improved security measures or seasonal inactivity in residential areas during September. Other notable trends include a 100% increase in theft from the person, which could be attributed to the influx of students and visitors during freshers’ week. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates decreased by 61.5%, due to reduced retail activity as the summer tourist season wound down. The area’s performance in categories like anti-social behaviour (55% below UK average) and criminal damage (50% below UK average) reinforces its reputation as a community where local initiatives and policing may effectively mitigate disorder. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, influenced by both local characteristics and broader seasonal trends.

In September 2023, Torridge’s crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 17.9% decrease from August’s 3.5, reflecting a continued downward trend in local crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately seven crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, remains significantly lower than the UK average when considered per capita. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 346 residents — a rate that underscores the area’s relative safety compared to the UK’s overall crime profile. With a population of 69,841, Torridge’s low crime density suggests a combination of geographic factors, including its rural character and limited urban density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-346 residents also provides context for residents: if a household were to experience one crime every 346 residents, it would equate to an average of 203 households per incident, highlighting the rarity of crime in daily life. This perspective contrasts sharply with the UK average, where the frequency of crime is substantially higher, particularly in densely populated urban centres. The comparison reinforces Torridge’s position as an area where crime remains a low-probability event for most residents, even as seasonal fluctuations continue to influence specific categories of offending.