Axminster Crime Rate

Statistics for Axminster

Axminster is a secure market town with an overall crime rate of 61.3 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 85/100. Compared to the UK's average safety score of 79/100, Axminster stands out as a safe environment for its 8,786 residents. The area has seen a slight year-over-year increase in crime of 5.9%, but it remains a highly secure location. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and timing patterns to help you understand the local safety context in this historic East Devon town.

Crime in Axminster

Axminster's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 42.7% of all recorded incidents (26.2 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 18.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.3%. These three categories represent the majority of law enforcement activity in the town.

Property-related crime in Axminster—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 16.3 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary specifically is quite rare, accounting for only 2.0% of total crime with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents. However, the prevalence of shoplifting (8.5%) and other theft (3.9%) indicates that commercial and residential property owners should still consider proactive measures to deter opportunistic incidents and maintain their security. This is particularly relevant given the town's role as a local commercial hub.

Axminster Crime Trends

Axminster is currently experiencing a slight upward trend in crime, with a year-over-year increase of 5.9%. This indicates a relatively stable safety environment. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some variation throughout the year.

The year began with a crime rate of 4.3 in December and January, followed by a peak in February 2025, where the crime rate reached 6.9 per 1,000 people. Another peak occurred in July (7.1). Following these peaks, the rate declined through the autumn, falling to 3.3 in September and finishing the year at 3.3 in November. This overall trajectory suggests that while there are monthly fluctuations, Axminster is successfully maintaining its safe character, with the total volume of crime remaining well below the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Axminster

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Axminster. While the overall crime rate is low, personal safety remains a key consideration. Here are several practical tips for staying safe:

Maintain a high level of awareness when walking through the area, particularly in the evening. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated shortcuts. Sharing your travel plans or live location with a friend can provide an extra layer of security.

With criminal damage being a top-three crime, ensure your property is visibly protected. Use high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing a security system that offers proactive detection. Proactive lighting can also be a strong deterrent against anti-social behaviour around your home's perimeter.

Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle and ensure it is parked in a secure, well-lit area. Following these simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by opportunistic crime. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to the local police are also vital for maintaining Axminster's safety. Following these steps helps maintain the town's reputation as a secure and welcoming place.

Crime Timing in Axminster

The timing of criminal activity in Axminster reveals patterns that can help residents stay more secure. Theft is most prevalent during the day, accounting for 44% of incidents in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm) and 43% in the morning (6am to 12pm). This suggests that thefts and shoplifting are more likely when the town's retail areas are most active.

Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a significant rise in 'Other' crimes (66%), which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Night-time (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for burglary, which accounts for 18% of incidents during these hours—the highest proportion across all time periods. Vehicle crime is also more prominent at night (8%) compared to the daytime. These patterns highlight that while personal safety is a priority during the afternoon and evening, property and vehicle security should be the main focus overnight.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Axminster (61.3) maintains a strong safety profile. It is comparable to the high safety standards found across the East Devon district and is significantly safer than the UK national average. While it is more active than very small rural hamlets like Kilmington, Raymond's Hill, and Musbury—all of which recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000—Axminster remains one of the most secure built-up areas in the region. For those seeking a town with a full range of amenities and a low crime rate, Axminster offers a balanced residential safety profile that is much more secure than many similar-sized urban areas across the country.

Proactive Security for Axminster Properties

With a property crime rate of 16.3 per 1,000 and burglary being a notable concern, residents of Axminster should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record footage of a crime but only notify you after the event has occurred. In an area where criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are among the top concerns, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system uses AI to provide a superior level of security. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect a potential intruder at your property boundary before they attempt to enter. This AI-driven approach allows for an autonomous response—such as activating deterrent lights or speakers—which can stop a crime in its tracks. For Axminster homeowners, scOS offers features like pattern learning to recognise family and deliveries, ensuring you are only alerted to real threats. By destroying the element of surprise, scOS makes your home a much harder target, preventing crime rather than just documenting it. This proactive deterrence is far more effective than traditional recording, as it aims to prevent the crime entirely.