Budleigh Salterton Crime Rate

Budleigh Salterton's crime rate of 28.6 per 1,000 residents is 68.6% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in the country. Despite a 12% increase in public order offences, the area's overall safety score of 93/100 highlights its strong community cohesion and effective local policing. The most notable trend is the sharp decline in 'other crime' by 71.4% YoY, which may reflect improved community engagement or increased reporting.

Budleigh Salterton is a small built-up area in East Devon, known for its coastal location and close-knit community. As a commuter town with a mix of residential and retail areas, its crime profile reflects the balance between local demographics and proximity to Exmouth. Lower population density and strong community ties likely contribute to its very low crime rates, while its location near a larger town may influence patterns in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

The most surprising finding in Budleigh Salterton's crime data is the low prevalence of vehicle crime, which is 90% below the UK average. This contrasts with the moderate increase in public order offences (+12% YoY), though they remain 69% below the UK benchmark. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, are 63% below the UK average, likely due to the area's smaller population and community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour is also low, possibly linked to effective local policing and the absence of large-scale commercial hubs that might drive such incidents. Property crime, at 8.6 per 1,000, is 73% below the UK average, reflecting a combination of low-risk demographics and proactive community measures.

Crime in Budleigh Salterton has decreased by 24.0% YoY, with the most dramatic decline in 'other crime' (-71.4%). Monthly trends show a peak in March 2025 (3.7 per 1,000/month) and a trough in January 2026 (1.1 per 1,000/month), likely reflecting seasonal patterns in tourism and retail activity. The steady decline in violence and sexual offences (-14.3% YoY) may be linked to improved policing or community interventions, while the moderate rise in public order offences (+12% YoY) could be tied to local events or increased social interactions.

How To Keep Safe in Budleigh Salterton

Residents should focus on securing valuables in homes and vehicles, as theft remains a low but present risk. Given the area's low crime rates, simple measures like locking doors and using motion-activated lights can be effective. For those with vehicles, ensuring they are parked in well-lit areas and using anti-theft devices aligns with the local trend of vehicle crime being 90% below the UK average. Community engagement, such as participating in local safety initiatives, further reinforces Budleigh Salterton's already strong safety profile.

Crime in Budleigh Salterton shows distinct patterns across the day and week. Burglary peaks at night (31% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely tied to isolated homes in the area's outskirts. Theft, however, is most common in the afternoon (52% of incidents between 12pm-6pm), potentially linked to retail activity and local businesses. Vehicle crime, though rare, spikes at night (16% of incidents between 12am-6am), possibly due to limited parking in residential areas. Other crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, are more evenly distributed but show higher rates in evenings, reflecting social interactions in the built-up area.

Compared to Exmouth, which has a crime rate 123% higher (63.8 per 1,000), Budleigh Salterton remains significantly safer. Colaton Raleigh, the next nearest area, has a 19% higher rate (33.9 per 1,000) but still falls well below the UK average. These differences likely reflect Exmouth's larger population and greater tourist activity, which may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

In a very safe area like Budleigh Salterton, proactive security measures can provide peace of mind without overcomplicating daily life, scOS's AI-powered system detects threats at property perimeters before they escalate, ideal for deterring vehicle crime and theft. Its ability to distinguish between regular activity and potential intruders—such as distinguishing a local delivery worker from an unfamiliar figure—reduces false alarms. For households with vehicles, scOS's DVLA verification feature can flag suspicious plates, aligning with the area's low vehicle crime rate of 0.4 per 1,000.