Westward Ho! Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! records a notably low overall crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 people per year, placing it significantly below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This results in an excellent safety score of 89 out of 100, indicating it is considerably safer than the national average of 78. Despite this strong safety profile, the latest figures show an increasing trend in crime, with a 32.4% rise year-over-year. These statistics offer a clear picture of the local crime landscape, providing valuable insights for residents and visitors alike.

Crime Type Analysis in Westward Ho!

In Westward Ho!, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest share, at 48.1% of all crimes, with 116 incidents recorded (21.8 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 17.0% of incidents with 41 crimes (7.7 per 1,000), often impacting public spaces. Criminal damage and arson follow, representing 10.8% of the total, with 26 incidents (4.9 per 1,000).

The overall property crime rate in Westward Ho!, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 12.2 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 Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! has experienced a significant increasing crime trend, with a 32.4% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate was 2.8 in October 2024, saw a peak of 4.7 in March and September 2025, with other months showing variability. While the overall rates remain low compared to many areas, this pronounced upward trend, particularly in certain periods, suggests a shift in local crime patterns that residents should be mindful of, and may warrant increased community safety efforts.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Westward Ho!

Crime patterns in Westward Ho! exhibit distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) and afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) are characterised by a high prevalence of theft, accounting for 51% and 55% of crimes respectively, alongside a notable presence of "Other" crimes and some burglary. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), theft-related offences decrease to 23%, while "Other" crime types, often including public order and violence, become more dominant at 60%. During the night (12am-6am), burglary incidents see their highest proportion at 14%, and vehicle crime also increases significantly to 22%, alongside a continued high proportion of "Other" crimes at 51%. This suggests that daytime activity contributes to theft, while evenings and nights see shifts towards crimes often associated with less supervision and darker hours, with vehicle crime becoming a particular concern overnight.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Westward Ho!, with its low crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000, stands out when compared to its neighbours. Its crime figures are considerably lower than Bideford, a larger urban centre, highlighting its more residential and holiday-focused character. While comparable to Northam and Appledore (Torridge), Westward Ho! maintains a slightly lower overall crime rate, suggesting a generally tranquil environment. Its property crime rate of 12.2 per 1,000 is also very favourable when compared to these nearby areas, and significantly below the UK average, offering residents a high level of reassurance regarding property security. This regional context solidifies Westward Ho!'s reputation as one of the safer locales in the Torridge district.

Protecting Your Property in Westward Ho!

Despite Westward Ho!'s low property crime rate of 12.2 per 1,000, the observed increasing crime trend suggests that robust home security remains a wise investment 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. In an area like Westward Ho!, 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.