Northam Crime Rate

Northam is an exceptionally safe settlement with an overall crime rate of 40.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This secure standing is reflected in its high safety score of 91/100, well above the national average of 78. While the area remains very safe, there has been a modest increasing trend in crime, with an 8.1% rise year-over-year. This data provides a comprehensive overview of the local safety landscape, showing that Northam continues to be one of the most secure places to live in the region, with crime levels consistently remaining far below national norms.

In Northam, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 41.1% of all reported incidents, or 16.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 24.7%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.6%. Property crime overall—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people. Other theft (7.5%) is the primary driver of property-related offences, while burglary accounts for 3.4% of the town's total. Although the vehicle crime rate is low (1.4%), the overall property crime figures suggest that residents should stay mindful of opportunistic theft and property damage, particularly in an area with a high safety score.

The crime trend in Northam is currently increasing, with an 8.1% rise year-over-year. Analysis of monthly data shows that crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, with another high point in June and April at 4.7. The lowest activity was recorded in December 2024 at 1.9. While the overall crime rate remains very low compared to national averages, the modest upward trend suggests that residents should remain vigilant and consider maintaining good security practices as local crime patterns evolve.

How To Keep Safe in Northam

The most common crime in Northam is violence and sexual offences. While the town is generally very safe, it is important to take sensible precautions to ensure your personal security:

1. When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit or isolated areas, particularly around the town's outskirts.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in public places, and if possible, travel with friends or family during the evening.
3. Keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight in public places to prevent opportunistic theft.
4. If you witness any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police to help them maintain the town's safety.
5. For business owners, ensure your premises have clear sightlines and robust security to deter anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Crime timing in Northam shows a clear distribution based on the time of day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, accounting for 44% and 46% of reported incidents respectively, which often coincides with daytime activity. In the evening, the crime profile shifts toward 'other' types, including anti-social behaviour, which make up 67% of reports. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see the highest relative intensity for burglary (18%) and vehicle crime (14%), even though the overall volume of crime is lower. This indicates that property-focused offences are more likely to occur when the area is quietest, while theft is more prevalent during active daylight hours.

In the local context of Torridge, Northam is one of the safest urban settlements. With a crime rate of 40.2 per 1,000 residents, it is considerably more secure than Bideford, which has a rate of 92.1, and nearby Appledore at 54.6. It is also safer than Westward Ho! (47.4). While the village of Instow reports a crime rate of 0.0, this is due to its much smaller population. Northam offers a highly secure residential environment that is much better than the national average, making it a preferred choice for safety-conscious residents.

Northam's property crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 residents indicates a very low risk, but the 8.1% upward trend suggests that homeowners should remain vigilant. Traditional security systems are often reactive; they might record a video of someone on your property, but they don't stop them from acting. For those seeking real protection, scOS offers a proactive solution. Using advanced AI, scOS monitors all your cameras simultaneously to detect threats at the property boundary, not after a break-in has occurred. This allows the system to intervene autonomously, using lights and speakers to deter potential criminals before they can act. In a safe area like Northam, where burglary and vehicle crime are rare but still occur, a system that prevents crime through boundary detection is far more effective than standard DIY recording systems.