East Devon Crime Rate

Statistics for East Devon

East Devon is an exceptionally safe local authority district, with an overall crime rate of 47.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 88/100. Compared to the UK's average safety score of 79/100, East Devon stands out as one of the most secure regions in the country. The area is also seeing a positive trend in safety, with a year-over-year crime decrease of -5.5%. For the 158,239 residents, these statistics reflect a stable and secure environment. The following data provides a detailed analysis of crime types and monthly trends, offering a clear picture of the safety landscape across this coastal and rural district.

About East Devon

East Devon is a diverse local authority district characterised by its stunning coastline, including the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and its extensive rural hinterland. The area is home to popular seaside towns like Exmouth and Sidmouth, as well as historic market towns and quiet villages. The local economy is heavily influenced by tourism, which brings a significant transient population during the summer months, alongside a stable residential base.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its geography and activities. While the rural areas are exceptionally quiet, the larger coastal towns can experience seasonal fluctuations in anti-social behaviour and public order offences related to nightlife and tourism. East Devon also contains major transport links and expanding residential developments like Cranbrook, which contribute to the area's evolving demographic profile. Generally, the district is affluent with high levels of employment, which correlates with its relatively low crime rates and high safety scores compared to more urbanised neighbouring regions. This combination of a strong residential community and a well-managed tourism sector helps maintain East Devon's reputation as one of the safest districts in the UK.

Crime in East Devon

The crime profile for East Devon is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 47.0% of all recorded incidents (22.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 14.5%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.3%. These three categories represent the majority of law enforcement activity in the district.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—stands at a rate of 12.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary specifically is quite rare, occurring at a rate of only 1.5 per 1,000 residents. For the people of East Devon, this suggests a very secure environment where the risk of property theft is minimal. However, the prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour indicates that public order and personal safety remain the primary focus for local community safety initiatives. Homeowners can take confidence in these low figures but should still maintain basic security to deter opportunistic offences.

East Devon Crime Trends

East Devon is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in crime, with a year-over-year decrease of -5.5%. This reduction indicates a strengthening of the district's safety environment over the past twelve months. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern with some seasonal variation.

The year began with a crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 in December, remaining steady through the winter months. A gradual increase was observed as the weather warmed, peaking at 5.0 per 1,000 in July 2025. This mid-summer peak is common in coastal areas due to increased tourism. Following July, the rate cooled significantly, dropping back to 3.5 in September and finishing the year at 3.6 in November. This overall trajectory suggests that while seasonal factors influence crime levels, the general volume of incidents is declining, reinforcing East Devon's status as a safe and secure region.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its regional neighbours, East Devon (47.9) maintains a very competitive safety profile. While this data snapshot shows neighbouring Exeter, Mid Devon, and Teignbridge with rates of 0.0—likely due to reporting boundaries or specific data periods—East Devon's rate remains exceptionally low for a district of its size and population density. It is notably safer than many other coastal districts in the South West. For those considering the region, East Devon offers a reliable and secure environment that consistently outperforms national safety benchmarks, making it a highly desirable location for residents and visitors alike.

Proactive Security for East Devon Properties

With a property crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000, East Devon is a safe place for homeowners, but the importance of effective security should not be overlooked. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For residents who want to maintain the area's high safety standards, a proactive approach is much more effective.

The scOS operating system uses AI to transform your home security into a proactive shield. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect a threat at the property boundary before a break-in or theft happens. In an area where criminal damage and arson are among the top three crimes, scOS's ability to recognise routines and only alert you to genuine threats is invaluable. When an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise. This proactive deterrence is far more effective than traditional recording, as it aims to prevent the crime entirely, ensuring your East Devon home remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in East Devon

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in East Devon. While the overall crime rate is low and decreasing, personal safety should always be a priority. Here are some practical tips for staying safe across the district:

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busier coastal towns during the tourist season. Stick to well-lit routes when walking at night and try to stay in groups if possible. Trust your instincts and move to a safer, more populated area if you feel uncomfortable.

Given that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are also top concerns, ensure your home and outbuildings are visibly secured. Simple measures like high-quality locks and security lighting are effective, but proactive AI-based detection offers the highest level of modern protection.

Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police. In rural areas, being part of a neighbourhood watch scheme can help keep the community informed and safe. Following these steps helps maintain East Devon's reputation as a secure and welcoming place to live.