Winkleigh Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Winkleigh

Winkleigh records a notably low overall crime rate of 42.9 per 1,000 people per year, placing it significantly below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to an excellent safety score of 89 out of 100, indicating the village 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 22.1% rise year-over-year. These statistics offer a clear picture of the local crime landscape, providing valuable insights for residents and those considering the area.

Crime Type Analysis in Winkleigh

In Winkleigh, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Burglary, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 42.5% of all crimes, with 40 incidents recorded (18.2 per 1,000 residents). Notably, Burglary is the second most common, making up 13.8% of incidents with 13 crimes (5.9 per 1,000), a higher proportion than typically seen. Criminal damage and arson follow, representing 11.7% of the total, with 11 incidents (5.0 per 1,000).

The overall property crime rate in Winkleigh, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 14.6 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. However, the relatively high proportion of burglary within the overall crime breakdown is a key point for residents and homeowners, suggesting a specific vulnerability that warrants attention, despite the overall low property crime rate.

Crime Trends in Winkleigh

Winkleigh has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 22.1% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate saw a low of 0.9 in December 2024, followed by a rise in early 2025, peaking at 5.9 in May and 5.0 in July. The rate then remained relatively stable, closing at 4.6 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 Winkleigh

Crime patterns in Winkleigh show a highly significant presence of burglary throughout the day, peaking at night. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by burglary (32%), theft (31%), and "Other" crimes (31%). In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), burglary becomes the dominant crime type, reaching 46%, while theft and "Other" crimes decrease. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), burglary remains very high at 41%, with "Other" crimes also significant at 41%. During the night (12am-6am), burglary reaches its highest proportion at 51%, with vehicle crime also increasing to 12%. This consistent and increasing prevalence of burglary from morning to night, particularly peaking overnight, indicates a specific and persistent vulnerability for properties in Winkleigh.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Winkleigh's crime rate of 42.9 per 1,000 positions it within a cluster of rural communities. Compared to neighbouring villages like Dolton, Chulmleigh, North Tawton, and Hatherleigh, Winkleigh's overall crime rate is broadly comparable, reflecting the generally tranquil nature of these areas. Its property crime rate of 14.6 per 1,000, while low, has a notable component of burglary, which might be slightly higher than some of its very rural counterparts. This comparison highlights that while Winkleigh is a safe area, residents should be particularly aware of property security given the specific crime breakdown.

Protecting Your Property in Winkleigh

With Winkleigh experiencing an increasing crime trend and a property crime rate of 14.6 per 1,000, particularly with burglary being a significant concern, robust home security is a sensible investment for residents. While traditional CCTV systems merely record events, 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 Winkleigh, where burglary is a specific concern, 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.