Okehampton Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Okehampton's crime profile in March 2023 was defined by a dominant role of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly a third of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents—6.6% below the UK average of 7.6—the town maintained a safer-than-average environment. The most prevalent crime category, violence and sexual offences, saw 20 incidents, a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 that was 23% below the national average. This suggests local factors, such as the town's community-focused character and limited nightlife, may contribute to lower violent crime rates. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a significant concern, with 19 incidents (27.9% of total crimes) at a rate of 2.0 per 1,000—308% above the UK average. This anomaly may relate to Okehampton's tourism and retail infrastructure, particularly during the spring transition when visitor numbers often increase. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 14.7% of crimes, a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 that was 4% below the UK average, indicating effective local policing or community cohesion. The seasonal context of March—marking the transition to spring with longer evenings and clock changes—likely influenced crime patterns, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour linked to increased foot traffic and altered routines. While the town's overall safety profile remains strong, the sharp divergence in shoplifting rates compared to national standards highlights a specific area for local scrutiny.

March 2023 saw shoplifting emerge as the second-most common crime, with 19 incidents—308% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This stark deviation from national trends may reflect Okehampton's retail presence, particularly in its high street and tourist-oriented shops. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.4% of all crimes, a category where the town's rate of 2.1 per 1,000 was 23% below the UK average. The contrast between property crime and violent crime highlights a shift in the crime mix, with property offences making up 50% of total incidents compared to 29.4% for violence. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.7% of total crimes, was 4% below the UK average, suggesting local community engagement efforts may be effective. Residents should note that shoplifting rates in the town are exceptionally high relative to national standards, a discrepancy that warrants targeted local analysis.

Okehampton's crime rate in March 2023 remained stable compared to February, with no significant month-on-month fluctuations reported. The daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day, a figure consistent with the area's low overall rate. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 141 residents, reflecting the town's relatively safe environment. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average when scaled to population size, though direct comparisons are not provided for this metric. The population of 9,614 means each resident faces a lower risk of encountering crime than the national average, a pattern reinforced by the town's built-up area status within West Devon. The low burglary rate—70% below the UK average—aligns with Okehampton's character as a smaller, community-focused town where informal social controls may contribute to reduced property crime. This context contrasts with larger urban areas where higher population density often correlates with increased burglary rates.