Okehampton Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour incidents in Okehampton during May 2023 were 25, accounting for 46.3% of all recorded crimes. This figure—95% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000—stands as the most striking deviation from national trends. The area’s crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, 30.0% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflects a broader pattern of lower overall crime compared to the rest of the country. The breakdown shows property crimes (21) and violent crimes (6) as the next most common categories, though neither approaches the volume of anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors may partly explain these patterns: May’s longer evenings and bank holidays could have contributed to increased socialising in public spaces, driving anti-social behaviour. The town’s character as a relatively small, rural built-up area may also play a role, with fewer commercial hubs to drive property crime but more concentrated social interactions to fuel disorder. Violent crime remains low, with 0.6 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000, suggesting a safer environment for residents despite the spike in anti-social incidents. This contrast highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics, where specific categories can diverge sharply from national norms even as overall rates remain favourable.

Month-on-month analysis reveals significant shifts in crime patterns. Other theft increased by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents), and vehicle crime rose from 0 to 3, both suggesting emerging vulnerabilities. Conversely, burglary dropped by 60% (from 5 to 2), and violence and sexual offences decreased by 14.3% (from 7 to 6), indicating potential successes in targeted interventions or seasonal lulls. The category of anti-social behaviour—far outpacing the UK average—dominated the crime mix, with 25 incidents (46.3% of total) compared to the UK’s 1.3 per 1,000. This disparity may reflect local characteristics such as community density or policing focus. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively low, with shoplifting and criminal damage each contributing 11.1% of total incidents. Vehicle crime in Okehampton was 33% below the UK average, a figure that could align with lower traffic density or effective local deterrents. For residents, the sharp rise in other theft—now at 4 incidents—may warrant attention to personal security measures, particularly in areas with transient populations or unsecured property.

Okehampton’s crime rate in May 2023 (5.6 per 1,000) marked a 46.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.9 per 1,000, indicating a recent upward trend. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but reflects the town’s smaller population. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 178 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contrasts sharply with larger urban centres. With a population of 9,614, Okehampton’s scale means even small numerical changes can have visible impacts on community perception. The 30.0% deficit to the UK average highlights the area’s relative safety, though this must be balanced against the 95% surge in anti-social behaviour—a category that, while not directly comparable to the UK’s broader metrics, suggests localized pressures. These figures underscore the importance of context: while Okehampton remains statistically safer than the UK average, specific challenges like anti-social behaviour require tailored responses. For residents, the 46.0% monthly increase serves as a reminder that even low-crime areas can experience fluctuations, necessitating vigilance and community engagement.