Tavistock Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Tavistock's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former comprising 50% of all reported incidents compared to 30% for property crimes. This divergence from the UK average—where property crimes typically dominate—suggests a unique local dynamic. The overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents places the area 39.1% below the national average, a significant gap that may reflect Tavistock's small, closely-knit community structure and limited commercial activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 25 incidents, representing 50% of the total, a figure 14% below the UK average for this category. This could indicate a combination of effective local policing and seasonal factors, as February's low outdoor activity may reduce opportunities for property crime while concentrating interactions in more confined public spaces. Conversely, criminal damage and arson rose to 7 incidents (14% of total), 30% above the UK average, hinting at potential local tensions or specific incidents. The seasonal context of a pre-spring lull, with reduced tourism and fewer outdoor events, may have contributed to this pattern. The area's relatively low crime rate, despite the prominence of violent crime, underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics, which may be influenced by demographic factors, community cohesion, or the town's position as a rural hub with limited urban infrastructure.

February 2026 saw a notable 26.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, dropping from 34 to 25 incidents—a shift that may reflect seasonal trends or targeted interventions. However, shoplifting and criminal damage both rose sharply, with shoplifting doubling from 2 to 4 incidents (a 100% increase) and criminal damage and arson jumping 75% to 7 cases. This uptick in property-related crimes, despite the overall rate remaining below the UK average, suggests a possible reallocation of criminal activity toward more accessible targets during the winter months. The possession of weapons category saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 1 incident, a concerning anomaly that may warrant closer attention from local authorities. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), aligning with the low outdoor activity typical of February. For residents, the 39.1% gap between Tavistock's rate and the UK average offers a comparative reassurance, though the specific rise in criminal damage and weapon possession highlights areas requiring vigilance. The balance between violent and property crime—50% versus 30%—contrasts with the UK's usual dominance of property crime, indicating a local context where interpersonal conflicts may play a more prominent role than economic factors.

Tavistock's February 2026 crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 19.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 4.8, reflecting a sustained trend of lower crime levels. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly 2 crimes reported each day in the built-up area, a figure that, while modest, remains consistent with the town's small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 257 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 150 residents. This stark contrast underscores Tavistock's relative safety. While the overall rate is well below the UK average, specific categories like criminal damage and arson (30% above the UK average) suggest vulnerabilities that may not be immediately apparent in aggregate figures. The population context further illustrates this: with 12,838 residents, the 50 total crimes reported in February amount to a manageable burden, but the distribution of these crimes—particularly the spikes in weapon possession and criminal damage—demands targeted scrutiny. Comparing this to the previous month's rate, the 19.5% drop reinforces a broader downward trend, though the persistent presence of violent crime at 50% of all incidents highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to Tavistock's unique profile.