Dousland Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Dousland, West Devon, reveal a crime rate of 20.3 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure, while considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance and community safety measures. While Dousland benefits from a generally high safety score of 96/100, understanding the nature of reported crimes is essential for residents. The most frequently reported crimes include violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and other theft. This information aims to provide a factual overview of the crime landscape in Dousland and offer practical advice for enhancing personal safety.

The crime landscape in Dousland is shaped by its rural setting and close-knit community. The most frequent incidents revolve around violence and sexual offences (10 crimes), anti-social behaviour (7 crimes), and other theft (5 crimes). Criminal damage and arson also contribute (3 crimes), alongside instances of public order offences and vehicle crime. While the number of crimes overall is relatively low compared to larger urban centres, the impact on the community can be significant. The presence of agricultural land and isolated properties may contribute to incidents of other theft, whilst the close proximity of residents can unfortunately lead to anti-social behaviour. Understanding these factors is key to addressing the underlying causes and promoting a safer environment for everyone in Dousland.

Crime rates in Dousland have demonstrated a stable trend, showing a decrease of -3.3% year-on-year. Examining monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations. January and February saw a consistent rate of 1.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, while March recorded a spike to 2.1 per 1,000. A peak of 3.5 per 1,000 was observed in May, followed by a dip in September to just 0.7 per 1,000. The final months of October and December mirrored the lower rates of earlier in the year. This stability suggests a consistent level of vigilance and effective community safety measures, though ongoing monitoring is essential.

How To Keep Safe in Dousland

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night is paramount. Due to reports of anti-social behaviour, consider reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With other theft being a significant factor, ensure valuables are securely stored and out of sight. Secure your vehicle and belongings, particularly if you park it overnight. Finally, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety.

Crime patterns in Dousland tend to follow a daily rhythm. During the morning and afternoon hours, theft and vehicle crime are most common, likely reflecting commercial activity and commuting patterns. The evening hours see a slight increase in vehicle crime, potentially linked to activity around local amenities. The night period witnesses a shift, with a higher proportion of theft occurring, although overall crime levels remain relatively low. It’s important to note that these are general trends and individual incidents can vary significantly.

Comparing Dousland's crime rate to surrounding areas reveals a varied picture. Yelverton has a slightly higher rate at 23.5 per 1,000, while Horrabridge experiences a considerably higher rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Conversely, Crapstone and Buckland Monachorum both report zero crimes during the observed period. These comparisons demonstrate that while Dousland maintains a relatively low crime rate, it’s crucial to be aware of the differing levels of risk in neighbouring communities.

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