Northam Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Northam

Northam presents a remarkably low overall crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 people per year, placing it significantly below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to an outstanding safety score of 91 out of 100, indicating the town is considerably safer than the national average of 78. However, recent data shows an increasing trend in crime, with a 12.9% rise year-over-year. These statistics offer a clear picture of the local crime landscape, providing valuable insights for residents and visitors into Northam's safety and security.

Crime Type Analysis in Northam

In Northam, the most common crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 38.3% of all crimes, with 57 incidents recorded (15.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, making up 24.2% of incidents with 36 crimes (9.9 per 1,000), often affecting public spaces. Criminal damage and arson follow, representing 11.4% of the total, with 17 incidents (4.7 per 1,000).

The overall property crime rate in Northam, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 10.7 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, these figures suggest that while vigilance against violence and anti-social behaviour is important, the risk of property-specific crimes is very low compared to national figures, offering a high degree of reassurance.

Crime Trends in Northam

Northam has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 12.9% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate saw a low of 1.9 in December 2024, followed by a rise in early 2025, peaking at 4.7 in April and June, and 5.0 in July. The rate then decreased towards the end of the period, closing at 2.2 in September 2025. This pattern suggests variability, but the overall upward trend indicates a need for continued awareness and potentially targeted community safety initiatives to address the rising figures, despite the generally low crime rate.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Northam

Crime patterns in Northam show distinct variations across the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) and afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) are characterised by a high prevalence of theft (46% and 47% respectively), alongside a notable and increasing proportion of burglary (11% in morning, 17% in afternoon). As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), "Other" crime types, often including public order and violence, become the most prominent at 60%, while theft reduces to 19%, and burglary remains high at 16%. During the night (12am-6am), burglary reaches its highest proportion at 23%, and vehicle crime also increases to 14%, alongside a continued high presence of "Other" crimes at 52%. This indicates that while theft is a daytime concern, burglary becomes increasingly prevalent from afternoon through to night, suggesting properties are more vulnerable when unoccupied or during darker hours.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Northam, with its remarkably low crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000, stands out as one of the safer areas in the Torridge district. Compared to Bideford, a larger urban centre, Northam's crime rate is significantly lower, highlighting its more residential and tranquil character. It maintains comparable or slightly lower crime figures than neighbouring coastal settlements like Appledore (Torridge) and Westward Ho!, suggesting a consistent safety profile across these smaller communities. Its property crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, offering residents a high degree of reassurance regarding their homes. This regional comparison solidifies Northam's position as a very safe place to live within the wider area.

Protecting Your Property in Northam

Despite Northam's exceptionally low property crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000, the observed increasing crime trend suggests that robust home security remains a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional security cameras document incidents, they often capture the aftermath of a burglary rather than actively preventing it. For genuine peace of mind, a proactive approach to security is paramount.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to prevent crime before it happens. This advanced system detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence for comprehensive surveillance. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning intelligently differentiate between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. Even in a safe area like Northam, deterring potential intruders at the earliest possible stage is crucial. Professional-grade security makes it clear that your property is well-protected, often causing burglars to move on within 60 seconds of detection. By choosing prevention, you are actively safeguarding your home and belongings rather than merely recording a crime.