Okehampton Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Okehampton continue its trend of significantly lower crime rates compared to the UK average, with a total crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents — 61.3% below the national average of 7.5. The area’s crime profile was dominated by anti-social behaviour (32.1% of total incidents) and violence and sexual offences (32.1%), both of which remain well below their respective UK averages. This pattern aligns with Okehampton’s character as a built-up area within a rural district, where community-focused policing and limited nightlife likely contribute to reduced violent crime. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the data: the sharp decline in shoplifting (from nine incidents in October to one in November) may reflect post-Black Friday shopping patterns, while the dark evenings of November could have dampened outdoor activity, indirectly reducing opportunities for public order offences. However, a notable exception emerged in the form of burglary, which rose by 100% from zero to one incident — a small but significant shift that may warrant closer attention. The overall crime rate, though low, shows a marked improvement from October’s rate of 5.0 per 1,000, suggesting a continued effort to maintain public safety in this historically quiet part of West Devon.

The month-on-month drop in crime was striking, with the overall rate falling by 41.7% compared to October. This decline was most pronounced in shoplifting, which fell by 88.9% to just one incident — a stark contrast to the nine reported in the previous month. Meanwhile, burglary, theft from the person, and bicycle theft each saw a 100% increase, though these remain isolated incidents in an otherwise stable environment. Anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences continued to dominate the crime mix, both of which are 65% and 14% below their UK averages respectively. Bicycle theft was the only category in Okehampton that exceeded the UK average by 25%, a figure that may reflect the area’s growing cycling infrastructure and the seasonal shift in commuter patterns. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the 88.9% reduction in shoplifting, which could be attributed to the end of the post-Black Friday shopping rush and the reduced foot traffic associated with shorter daylight hours. These trends underscore the complex relationship between local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and crime dynamics in a small built-up area.

Okehampton’s crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents in November 2023 represents a marked improvement from the previous month’s rate of 5.0 — a 41.7% decrease. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly one crime reported per day across the built-up area, a figure that is far below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 343 residents highlights the low likelihood of any individual encountering crime in this area. This statistic is particularly striking when compared to the UK’s broader context, where the average resident faces significantly higher risk. The contrast is even more pronounced in categories like violence and sexual offences, which are 65% below the UK average. However, the 100% increase in burglary — though still an isolated incident — serves as a reminder that even low-crime areas can experience occasional spikes. These figures collectively illustrate the effectiveness of local policing strategies in maintaining order, particularly in a region where the rural setting and limited urban density naturally reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. For residents, the data reinforces the perception of Okehampton as a safe, low-crime community, with the caveat that vigilance remains necessary for specific vulnerabilities like property crime.