Tavistock Crime Rate

Tavistock is a safe and secure market town with an overall crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a high safety score of 85/100. The town has seen a positive trend over the last year, with crime rates decreasing by 7.9%. Property crime is also relatively low at 17.9 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These statistics reflect Tavistock's stable community and effective local security. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics, timing, and trends to help residents and visitors understand the safety dynamics of the area.

Crime in Tavistock

In Tavistock, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 44.5% of all recorded incidents (347 cases). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.1% and criminal damage and arson at 11.4%. These statistics indicate that while personal safety and public order are the primary concerns for local residents, the overall crime rate remains well below the national average.

Property crime in Tavistock, which includes burglary, vehicle theft, and other forms of stealing, occurs at a rate of 17.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, making Tavistock a relatively safe place for homeowners and vehicle owners. Specifically, there were 22 burglaries and 10 vehicle crimes recorded over the past year. While these numbers are low, the fact that burglary and 'other theft' (8.1%) are present suggests that opportunistic crime still occurs. Residents should remain vigilant, especially as property-related offences can sometimes be targeted in specific residential areas. Maintaining basic home security is a wise precaution to keep these figures low.

Crime Trends in Tavistock

Tavistock has experienced a positive trend in its safety over the past year, with total crime falling by 7.9% year-over-year. This downward trajectory is a reassuring sign for the community, indicating that the town is becoming increasingly secure.

Looking at the monthly trendData, Tavistock started late 2024 with a crime rate of 5.4 in November, rising slightly to 6.3 in December. The rate then dipped to its lowest point of 4.0 in January 2025, suggesting a quiet start to the new year. There was a notable peak in October 2025, where the rate rose to 7.3, which may be related to specific local events or seasonal factors. Despite this, the overall trend has been one of gradual decline. The consistent reduction in crime across most months of 2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of local safety measures and provides a positive outlook for Tavistock’s residents.

How To Keep Safe in Tavistock

The most common crime in Tavistock is violence and sexual offences, representing 44.5% of all recorded incidents. While the town is safe, personal awareness is always beneficial. When walking through the town centre or residential streets, particularly after dark, sticking to well-lit routes and being aware of your surroundings can enhance your personal security.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (14.1%). Residents can help manage this by reporting any incidents to the local council or police, which helps in the effective allocation of community wardens and patrols. In Tavistock's commercial areas, keeping a close eye on personal belongings can prevent opportunistic thefts, which tend to peak during busy shopping hours in the afternoon.

Given that burglary and vehicle crime peak during the night-time hours, it is vital to ensure that all vehicles are locked and that valuables are removed from sight. Using a well-lit driveway or a garage if available can further deter potential thieves. For homeowners, ensuring that side gates are locked and that outdoor security lighting is functional will provide an extra layer of protection during the hours when property crime is most likely to occur.

Crime Timing in Tavistock

Crime in Tavistock follows a predictable daily cycle. The busiest period for criminal activity is the afternoon (12pm to 6pm), which accounts for over half of the town's theft and shoplifting offences (53%). This period coincides with the highest footfall in retail and commercial zones. The evening hours (6pm to 12am) also see steady activity, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences becoming more prevalent.

During the late-night and early morning hours (12am to 6am), the overall volume of crime drops, but the nature of the offences changes. Burglary reaches its peak during this time, accounting for 18% of incidents, while vehicle crime also becomes more prominent at 14%. In contrast, the morning hours (6am to 12pm) are relatively quiet, although they still experience a fair amount of theft (49%). Residents should be particularly mindful of property and vehicle security overnight to mitigate these specific risks.

Tavistock sits as a central market town with a safety profile that is favourable compared to many urban areas. While it has a higher crime rate (60.7) than very small rural neighbours like Mary Tavy (21.3) or Horrabridge (36.9), it is more secure than nearby Okehampton, which has a rate of 75.6. Compared to the larger cities of Plymouth and Exeter, Tavistock offers a much safer and more peaceful environment. It serves as a regional hub that balances a reasonable level of activity with a high degree of safety, making it a popular choice for families and retirees in West Devon.

Protecting Your Property in Tavistock

With a property crime rate of 17.9 per 1,000 residents, Tavistock is a safe town, but homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive. They notify you after a window has been broken or record footage of a theft that has already occurred. In many cases, this does little to prevent the loss or the emotional impact of a crime.

To maintain Tavistock’s high safety standards, homeowners should consider proactive protection. Systems like scOS use AI to monitor all camera feeds simultaneously, identifying potential threats at the property boundary before they can escalate. By using features like autonomous lighting and audio alerts, scOS can deter a burglar before they even touch your door. This proactive approach, combined with advanced technology like DVLA vehicle verification, provides a superior level of deterrence that makes your property a much less attractive target. In a town like Tavistock, the goal is to ensure your home never becomes a statistic in the first place.