Tavistock Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tavistock’s overall crime rate in December 2025 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.6% below the UK average of 7.0. This figure reflects a mix of crime types, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 41.5% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (19.5%) and criminal damage and arson (17.1%). The seasonal context of December, marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the holiday season, likely contributes to the patterns observed. Violence and sexual offences, though the most common category, were 5% above the UK average, suggesting that local dynamics—such as increased social interactions during the festive period—may play a role. Shoplifting, which saw a sharp rise in December, was 128% above the UK average, potentially linked to the influx of shoppers and the challenges of securing retail premises during the holiday season. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson, which rose by 250% compared to the previous month, may be influenced by the increased number of empty homes during the holidays, a common feature in smaller towns where residents temporarily leave for the season. These trends highlight the importance of understanding how seasonal factors interact with local conditions to shape crime profiles. The relatively low overall rate compared to the UK average indicates that Tavistock remains a safer area, but the spikes in specific categories warrant closer attention. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour and public order offences were below the UK average, with anti-social behaviour at 35% below and public order at 32% below, suggesting that community-focused initiatives may be having an impact. However, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about the effectiveness of current prevention strategies during the festive period. Overall, the crime picture in December 2025 illustrates both the challenges and opportunities for local authorities to address specific issues while maintaining the town’s generally low crime rate.

December 2025 saw a dramatic 250% increase in criminal damage and arson, jumping from four to 14 incidents. This surge is among the most significant month-on-month changes recorded in the area, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as empty homes during the holiday period. Shoplifting also rose sharply by 166.7%, with 16 incidents reported, far exceeding the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This category’s rate was 128% above the national average, highlighting a localised challenge that may be tied to increased foot traffic during the Christmas shopping season. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 27.3%, from 11 to 8 incidents, suggesting a possible reduction in public disturbances during the festive period. Meanwhile, 'other crime' fell by 83.3%, dropping from six to one incident, a decline that may reflect seasonal changes in criminal activity or improved policing efforts. These shifts in crime mix underscore the combination of local factors and broader trends, with some categories rising while others fall sharply.

Tavistock's crime rate in December 2025 rose by 43.9% compared to November 2025, climbing from 4.4 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 8.6% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately three crimes per day in December, a figure that reflects both the seasonal context and local patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 157 residents, a statistic that illustrates the relative safety of Tavistock compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the risk within the town's population of 12,838. The rise in crime appears to be concentrated in specific categories, such as criminal damage and arson, which saw a 250% increase. This suggests that while the overall rate has risen, the nature of the increase is not evenly distributed across crime types. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Tavistock remains a relatively low-crime area, even with the recent uptick, offering reassurance to local residents.