East Devon Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in East Devon

East Devon presents a notably safer environment when compared to the national average, reflected in its overall crime rate of 48.8 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, placing East Devon in a favourable position. The area boasts a robust safety score of 88 out of 100, comfortably exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, crime trends in East Devon have remained stable, with a slight increase of 3.0%. These statistics collectively paint a picture of a generally secure region, providing a foundation for a deeper understanding of local crime patterns.

About East Devon

East Devon is a predominantly rural and coastal local authority district, characterised by its picturesque landscapes, charming market towns, and popular seaside resorts. These characteristics significantly contribute to its overall crime statistics. The area's appeal as a tourist destination, particularly along its Jurassic Coast, means it experiences seasonal fluctuations in population and activity, which can influence certain crime types, such as 'Other theft' and 'Anti-social behaviour', particularly in busy town centres and popular visitor spots.

The demographic profile often includes a higher proportion of retirees and families, contributing to a generally settled and community-focused environment. However, the presence of transport hubs and commercial areas within towns like Exmouth and Sidmouth can also attract a degree of opportunistic crime. The overall lower population density compared to more urban areas also plays a role in its lower crime rate. Understanding these intrinsic features of East Devon helps in contextualising the crime data and appreciating the factors that shape the safety of its communities.

Crime Type Analysis in East Devon

An examination of crime types in East Devon reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 45.8% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 22.4 per 1,000 people. Following this, 'Anti-social behaviour' is the second most common, making up 15.1% of crimes at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, while 'Criminal damage and arson' is the third most frequent, representing 9.6% of the total with 4.7 incidents per 1,000.

Focusing on property-related crime, East Devon experiences a rate of 13.0 per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Key contributors to this category include 'Criminal damage and arson', 'Other theft', and 'Burglary', with rates of 4.7, 3.3, and 1.6 per 1,000 respectively. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is present, it is less pervasive than in many other parts of the UK. However, being aware of these specific crime types can help inform proactive security measures to protect homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in East Devon

East Devon has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a 3.0% increase in overall crime. Analysing the monthly data reveals a fluctuating pattern throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw lower points in December 2024 (3.5), February 2025 (3.4), and September 2025 (3.5), suggesting periods of reduced criminal activity. Conversely, higher crime rates were observed in July 2025 (5.0), May 2025 (4.6), and October 2024 (4.5). These variations indicate seasonal or periodic influences on crime levels, with a notable peak during the summer months. For residents, understanding these trends can help in anticipating potential shifts in local safety, although the overall picture remains one of relative stability.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing East Devon to its neighbouring regions, its strong safety performance becomes even clearer. With an overall crime rate of 48.8 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 88/100, East Devon generally fares better than many of its counterparts. Areas such as Exeter, Teignbridge, and Torbay often exhibit higher urban crime characteristics, while more rural districts like Mid Devon and parts of Somerset might share similar lower crime profiles. Dorset, another neighbouring county, offers a broader comparison point. This regional context highlights East Devon's standing as a comparatively safe area, which is a significant factor for both current residents and those considering moving to the region.

Enhancing Your Protection in East Devon

Given East Devon's property crime rate of 13.0 per 1,000 people, prioritising robust home security is a sensible step for residents. While traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach by recording incidents, a more proactive solution focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to detect threats at your property boundary, rather than merely documenting a break-in after the fact.

Such advanced systems leverage multi-camera intelligence, watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your routines to differentiate between familiar activity and genuine threats. This allows for autonomous responses, such as activating lights and engaging speakers, which can destroy the element of surprise and deter potential intruders within the critical 60-second decision window most burglars operate within. Professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another. While DIY systems have their place, professional proactive security offers a distinct advantage for real protection.