Budleigh Salterton Crime Rate

Statistics for Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton is an exceptionally safe coastal town with an overall crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an outstanding safety score of 93/100. Compared to the UK's average safety score of 79/100, Budleigh Salterton stands out as one of the safest environments in the country for its 4,548 residents. The area is also showing a significant positive trend, with crime decreasing by -30.1% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates a continuously improving safety profile, making it a highly desirable location for families and those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and timing patterns to help you understand the local safety context.

Crime in Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 38.7% of all recorded incidents (11.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 19.7%, followed by other theft at 12.4%. These three categories represent the majority of law enforcement activity in the town.

Property-related crime in Budleigh Salterton—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 9.0 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary specifically is very rare, accounting for only 4.4% of total crime with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents. However, the prevalence of other theft (12.4%) and criminal damage (9.5%) indicates that property owners should still consider proactive measures to deter opportunistic incidents and maintain their security. This is particularly relevant given the town's peaceful residential character.

Budleigh Salterton Crime Trends

Budleigh Salterton is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a year-over-year decrease of -30.1%. This reduction indicates a strengthening of the local safety environment. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern throughout the year.

The year began with a crime rate of 2.4 in December, followed by a dip in the winter months. A peak occurred in March 2025, where the crime rate reached 3.7 per 1,000 people. Other minor spikes were seen in July (3.3) and August (2.9). Following these peaks, the rate dropped back to 1.5 in October, before finishing the year at 2.4 in November. This overall trajectory suggests that Budleigh Salterton is successfully maintaining its safe character, with the total volume of crime being lower now than in the previous 12-month cycle.

How To Keep Safe in Budleigh Salterton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Budleigh Salterton. While the overall crime rate is low and decreasing, 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 other theft 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 Budleigh Salterton's safety. Following these steps helps maintain the town's reputation as a secure and welcoming place.

Crime Timing in Budleigh Salterton

The timing of criminal activity in Budleigh Salterton reveals patterns that can help residents stay more secure. Theft is most prevalent during the day, accounting for 60% of incidents in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm) and 59% in the morning (6am to 12pm). This suggests that thefts are more likely when the town's retail areas and public spaces are most active.

Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a significant rise in 'Other' crimes (47%), which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Night-time (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for burglary, which accounts for 28% of incidents during these hours—the highest proportion across all time periods. Vehicle crime is also much more prominent at night (15%) 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, Budleigh Salterton (30.1) maintains a strong safety profile. It is significantly safer than the nearby town of Exmouth (62.1) and is comparable to the high safety standards found across the East Devon district. While it is more active than very small rural hamlets like East Budleigh and Otterton—both of which recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000—Budleigh Salterton remains one of the most secure built-up areas in the region. For those seeking a town with a strong community feel and a low crime rate, Budleigh Salterton offers a level of security that is far superior to many other coastal towns across the country.

Proactive Security for Budleigh Salterton Properties

With a property crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 and burglary being a notable concern, residents of Budleigh Salterton 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 Budleigh Salterton 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.