Okehampton Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Okehampton's overall crime rate in June 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 35.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure places the built-up area within West Devon among the safer communities in the country, with crime levels significantly below national benchmarks. The most prevalent category of crime was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 52.9% of all reported incidents (27 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.7%, 9 cases) and public order offences (7.8%, 4 cases). The rate of violence and sexual offences in Okehampton (2.8 per 1,000) was slightly above the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), though this category's share of total crimes was high compared to other areas. The seasonal context of June, with longer daylight hours and the beginning of the tourism season in the surrounding rural areas, may have influenced patterns, though the low overall crime rate suggests effective community policing or natural deterrents. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences were both significantly below UK averages, with anti-social behaviour at 36% below (0.9 vs 1.4 per 1,000) and public order offences at 34% below (0.4 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This contrast highlights a combination of local factors—such as the area's small population and limited nightlife—and national trends. The low levels of property crime (9 total, 1.8% of all crimes) further support the notion that Okehampton's crime profile is distinct from typical urban centres, where property offences often dominate.

June 2024 saw several notable shifts in Okehampton's crime profile. The most significant decrease was in drug-related offences, which fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1 case), a drop that may reflect seasonal changes in local demand or increased enforcement. Similarly, shoplifting decreased by 66.7% (from 3 to 1 case), potentially linked to the start of summer, when retail theft might be less frequent due to shorter shopping hours or altered consumer behaviour. Criminal damage and arson also fell by 60.0% (from 5 to 2 cases), indicating a reduction in vandalism during the warmer months. Conversely, other theft offences surged by 300.0% (from 1 to 4 cases), a sharp increase that may be attributed to the influx of tourists or changes in local retail patterns. Vehicle crime rose by 100.0% (from 0 to 1 case), suggesting a potential vulnerability in parking areas during the summer season. Violence and sexual offences increased by 22.7% (from 22 to 27 cases), a rise that could be connected to the start of the tourism season or increased social interactions in public spaces. This category, while slightly above the UK average (2.8 vs 2.8 per 1,000), remains a critical focus for local authorities. The stark contrast between decreases in drug-related crimes and the sharp rise in other theft highlights the need for targeted interventions in specific areas of the community.

Okehampton's crime rate in June 2024 (5.3 per 1,000) marked an 8.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.8 per 1,000, indicating a continuing downward trend. This reduction is particularly significant when considering the daily crime context: 2 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that, while low, remains a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 189 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively safe environment in Okehampton compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population of 9,614, this statistic translates to a manageable level of risk for residents. The comparison to the UK average highlights the area's exceptional performance: with a crime rate 35.4% below the national figure, Okehampton stands out as a model for community safety. This contrast is even more pronounced in specific categories: anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and other theft were all significantly below UK averages. For residents, the daily crime count provides a concrete reference point—2 incidents per day is a figure that, while not negligible, is far lower than the national average of roughly 3.3 per day (calculated from the UK rate of 8.2 per 1,000). This suggests that local initiatives, whether formal or informal, may be contributing to the area's lower crime levels. The population-scaled perspective further reinforces the idea that Okehampton's crime profile is distinct, with its small size and limited urban infrastructure likely playing a role in maintaining these lower rates.