Princetown Crime Rate

Princetown's crime rate for the period of January 2025 to December 2025 stands at 52.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. Furthermore, the area boasts a safety score of 87 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. While these statistics provide a reassuring overview, it's important to understand the specific types of crimes occurring and the trends impacting the community. A recent decrease of 31.5% year-on-year indicates a positive shift in the local crime landscape, though ongoing vigilance and preventative measures remain crucial.

Princetown's crime data reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.1% of all recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour represents another significant portion, at 21.6%, followed by vehicle crime at 12.6%. Criminal damage and arson contribute 11.7%, while other theft makes up 6.3% of recorded crimes. These figures, coupled with instances of drugs offences, weapons possession, public order concerns, and occasional robberies, paint a picture of complex challenges within the community. The relatively small population of Princetown means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the overall crime rate. Factors such as the area's rural location, limited public transport, and the presence of Dartmoor Prison may contribute to the observed crime patterns, though further investigation would be needed to establish definitive links.

Crime in Princetown has experienced a notable decrease of 31.5% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks observed in February (2.9 per 1,000), March (6.7 per 1,000), May (7.6 per 1,000), and October (6.2 per 1,000). However, a significant drop is evident in December (1.9 per 1,000), indicating a potential shift towards improved safety. This downward trend suggests that ongoing preventative measures and community engagement efforts may be contributing to the positive change, although continued monitoring is essential to ensure long-term sustainability.

How To Keep Safe in Princetown

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly during the evening. Secure your vehicle, parking in well-lit areas where possible and ensuring valuables are out of sight. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report any suspicious activity to the police. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and that doors and windows are locked, even when you’re home.

Across the data period, the majority of crimes in Princetown occurred during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 45% of theft incidents and 40% of other crimes. Vehicle crime has a pronounced overnight element, with 66% of these incidents occurring between 12am and 6am. While burglary remains relatively rare, it's essential to be mindful of home security at all times, but particularly during the evening hours when activity tends to be higher. Understanding these patterns can help residents make informed decisions about personal safety and security measures.

When comparing Princetown to its neighbours, the crime rate varies considerably. Dousland reports a rate of 20.3 per 1,000, Horrabridge 33.2 per 1,000, and Yelverton 23.5 per 1,000. In stark contrast, Crapstone reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, demonstrating a significantly safer environment. This disparity highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety levels. The differences are likely attributable to factors such as population density, economic activity, and local community initiatives.

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