Devon’s coastline is renowned for its stunning beauty, from dramatic cliffs to secluded coves, but one particularly scenic beach and town on its north coast has earned a bad reputation after being named among the most dangerous in the UK for crime.
Nestled at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a picturesque blend of sandy beaches, Georgian architecture, and coastal charm. Home to about 14,900 residents (2021 census), it remains both a thriving seaside town and a supposed peaceful retreat just 12 miles south of Exeter.
But according to new data from the Daily Mail, statistics found 261 crimes are reported per square kilometre on Spratt Sands in the Devon town – higher than any other beach in the UK from July 2024 to June 2025. The town is said to struggle with shoplifting, as well as violence and a growing problem with armed youths.
Car stranded in the sea on busy Bank Holiday at Oxwich Bay in Wales
I visited a charming little place packed with independent shops — no chains or vacant lots to be seen
