Setting the Record Straight: Teignmouth Crime Data

Teignmouth Police are aware of a national news article claiming Teignmouth Beach has the highest crime rate in the UK. They believe the article to be misleading and an inaccurate representation.

Sector Inspector Sean Roper clarifies: "The data cited in a recent article is based on crimes logged to a very small, specific location, 'Spratt Sand,' which is equivalent to an area approximately 14m x 14m. This skews the figures, leading to a false impression of crime levels in Teignmouth.

"Over a 12-month period, 46 crimes were recorded in this specific area, which is less than four a month. For context, 74 other coastal locations in the UK have a higher crime rate than Teignmouth. The issue appears to be crimes reported in the wider area being logged to a single spot on our systems.

"Teignmouth remains a beautiful and safe place to live and visit. We continue to address anti-social behaviour, drug use, and other issues in our community and encourage the public to speak with us if they have concerns."

Teignmouth Mayor Cllr Cate Williams said: ‘We are bitterly disappointed that several national media outlets have misrepresented the crime statistics relating to Teignmouth which, in fact, remains a safe town with very little trouble.

‘How such inaccuracies are allowed to be published is utterly baffling and downright annoying.

‘The reputational damage is of serious concern, not just to us as a Town Council that fights every inch of the way to improve residents’ lives, but to the businesses that rely on visitors.

‘Who could be blamed for cancelling a holiday or deciding to head elsewhere for their next trip if their only source of so-called information is the tabloids that have published this incorrect interpretation of the data?

‘I’m proud to call Teignmouth my home and know for certain that families live here happily, without the threats portrayed in these regrettable press stories, and that many more return here regularly for some great old-fashioned sand, sea and sunshine.

‘I say to anyone reading this across the country and beyond, Teignmouth is a cracking seaside town which is well worth a visit, wish you were here!’