Westward Ho! Crime Rate

Westward Ho! is a safe coastal settlement with an overall crime rate of 47.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This secure environment is reflected in its high safety score of 88/100, well above the national average of 78. Although the area remains very safe, there has been a notable increasing trend in crime, with a 38.5% rise year-over-year. This increase is often seen in seasonal tourist destinations where transient populations can influence statistics. This data provides a comprehensive overview for residents and visitors, showing that while Westward Ho! remains a low-crime area, recent trends suggest a need for continued focus on local security and safety.

In Westward Ho!, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 47.6% of all reported incidents, or 22.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.5%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.3%. Property crime—a combined category including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 12.8 per 1,000 people. Other theft (7.5%) and shoplifting (3.2%) are the primary drivers of property-related offences in the area. While burglary and vehicle crime each represent only 2.0% of the total, the overall property crime rate suggests that residents and holiday homeowners should remain vigilant against opportunistic theft, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

The crime trend in Westward Ho! is currently increasing, with a 38.5% rise year-over-year. Analysis of monthly data shows that crime rates peaked in October 2025 at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, with another high point in September at 4.7. The lowest activity was recorded in December 2024 at 2.8. While the percentage increase is significant, the overall crime rate remains very low compared to national averages. This rise may be due to increased visitor numbers or specific local factors rather than a general decline in safety. For residents, it highlights the importance of maintaining good security practices as the area's popularity and activity levels continue to grow.

How To Keep Safe in Westward Ho!

The most common crime in Westward Ho! is violence and sexual offences. While the area is generally very safe, particularly for residents, it is important to take sensible precautions:

1. During peak tourist seasons, be mindful of your personal belongings in busy areas such as the beach and the main promenade to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. If you are walking back from restaurants or bars in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit coastal paths.
3. For holiday homeowners, ensure your property is well-secured when not in use and consider smart security that can be monitored remotely.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps them manage the impact of increased visitor numbers on the local community.
5. Join local community watch groups which provide an extra layer of security and awareness for residents living in the area year-round.

Crime timing in Westward Ho! shows a clear distribution based on the time of day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, accounting for 52% and 55% of reported incidents respectively, which often coincides with daytime tourist activity. In the evening, the crime profile shifts toward 'other' types, including anti-social behaviour, which make up 59% of reports. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see the highest relative intensity for vehicle crime (22%) and burglary (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, Westward Ho! sits in a very safe bracket. With a crime rate of 47.4 per 1,000 residents, it is considerably more secure than Bideford, which has a rate of 92.1. It is also safer than nearby Appledore (54.6) but has a slightly higher crime rate than Northam (40.2). The village of Instow reports a crime rate of 0.0, though this is due to its much smaller population. Westward Ho! offers a secure environment that balances the activity of a popular seaside resort with a safety profile that is much better than the national average.

Westward Ho!'s property crime rate of 12.8 per 1,000 residents indicates a relatively low risk, but the 38.5% upward trend in crime should not be ignored, especially for second-home owners. Traditional security systems are often reactive; they might record a video of someone on your driveway, but they don't stop them from taking your property. 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 tourist-heavy area like Westward Ho!, where properties may be left unattended for periods, a system that prevents crime through boundary detection is far more effective than standard DIY recording systems.