Tavistock Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences emerged as the dominant category in Tavistock's January 2026 crime profile, accounting for 54.8% of all reported crimes. This category alone contributed 34 incidents, far exceeding the 2.5 per 1,000 UK average for the same type of offence. The overall crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 for the area—29.4% below the UK average—reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. As a built-up area within West Devon, Tavistock's crime picture is shaped by its rural-urban interface, with the town's proximity to natural landscapes and its role as a regional hub influencing patterns of activity. January, typically marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, likely contributed to lower rates of property-related crimes such as shoplifting, which fell by 87.5% compared to December 2025. However, the persistent dominance of violent crime suggests underlying factors such as social cohesion, policing strategies, or demographic trends warranting closer examination. The breakdown shows that while anti-social behaviour and public order offences were significantly below UK averages, the violence category's above-average rate may be linked to the area's character as a small town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where interpersonal conflicts could occur more frequently. This profile contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes often dominate, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing the specific drivers of violence in Tavistock.

January 2026 saw a stark reduction in shoplifting, with incidents dropping from 16 to 2—an 87.5% decrease that may reflect post-holiday retail activity patterns and reduced foot traffic. Conversely, other crime categories showed notable increases: 'other crime' doubled from 1 to 2 cases, while burglary and robbery each rose from 0 to 2 and 1 respectively, highlighting emerging patterns in non-violent criminal activity. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—accounting for 54.8% of all crimes—places Tavistock 8% above the UK average for this category, a discrepancy that may partly explain the area's overall crime rate being 29.4% below the national average. These shifts underscore the combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, with the violence category's above-average rate likely contributing to the broader statistical profile.

Tavistock's crime rate in January 2026 fell 24.4% compared to the previous month's 6.4 per 1,000, reflecting a marked improvement in local safety metrics. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday period typically marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of consistent community vigilance. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 207 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Tavistock well below the UK average when considered alongside its population of 12,838. This statistic provides residents with a tangible measure of their risk profile, illustrating that the area's crime profile remains relatively stable even as specific categories shift in frequency.