Okehampton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a period of relative stability in Okehampton's crime profile, with an overall rate of 5.1 crimes per 1,000 residents—20.3% below the UK average. The most prevalent crime type was Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51% of all reported incidents. This category's rate of 2.6 per 1,000 (12% above UK average) contrasts with the significantly lower rates observed in property crimes, including shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000, 66% below UK average) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000, 60% below UK average). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may explain the relatively low levels of property crime, as outdoor theft and burglary are typically influenced by weather patterns and foot traffic. However, the higher-than-average rate of violent crime could be linked to the area's social dynamics, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this. The breakdown of crimes also shows a marked decrease in criminal damage and arson (3 cases, 35% below UK average), which may reflect the reduced outdoor activity during colder months. Overall, Okehampton's crime profile remains characterised by its low population density and the absence of large-scale urban features that typically correlate with higher crime rates in other areas.

February 2026 saw the most dramatic month-on-month shift in 'Other theft', which surged by 150% (2 to 5 cases). This jump, combined with a 100% increase in both Shoplifting and Anti-social behaviour, contrasts sharply with the 83.3% drop in Burglary (6 to 1 case). The shift in crime mix is notable, with violent crimes (25 cases) now accounting for 51% of all reported incidents—above the UK average of 12% for this category. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively low, with shoplifting at 0.2 per 1,000 (66% below UK average) and burglary at 0.1 per 1,000 (60% below UK average). The 12% above UK average rate for violence and sexual offences may be linked to the area's seasonal context. Residents may find the 100% increase in Anti-social behaviour particularly concerning, as it suggests a possible rise in local tensions during the winter period.

Okehampton's crime rate rose slightly by 4.3% in February 2026, climbing from 4.9 to 5.1 per 1,000 residents. This places the area within the UK's overall average range. below the national figure of 6.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 2 crimes per day over the month, a manageable frequency for a town of its size. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 196 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low incidence of crime in this built-up area. The population context reveals that with 9,614 residents, the crime rate remains consistent with Okehampton's historical profile as a small town with limited urban density. This suggests that local factors such as community cohesion and low population turnover may contribute to the sustained lower crime rate compared to national averages.