Dunkeswell Crime Rate

Dunkeswell, within East Devon, recorded a crime rate of 24.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. While the overall safety score for Dunkeswell stands at a respectable 94 out of 100, understanding the specific types of crime and their trends is crucial for residents. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of crime statistics in Dunkeswell, offering insights and practical advice to enhance community safety.

The crime landscape in Dunkeswell is characterised by a mix of offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 35.7% of reported crimes. These are followed by criminal damage and arson (17.9%), and a category of ‘other’ crimes, which includes a variety of less common offences, making up 8.9% of incidents. Other theft represents 8.9% of recorded crime, while burglary, public order offences, drug-related incidents and anti-social behaviour each account for a smaller proportion at 5.4%. Vehicle crime and possession of weapons contribute to the overall picture, with 3.6% each. The distribution of these crimes highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to community safety.

Crime rates in Dunkeswell have remained relatively stable, demonstrating a decrease of 1.8% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates fluctuations throughout the year. January 2025 saw a low of 2.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, while April 2025 recorded a peak of 3.9 per 1,000. A notable drop occurred in July 2025 (1.3 per 1,000) and December 2025 (0.4 per 1,000). This slight downward trend suggests a consistent level of safety within the community, although continued vigilance remains important.

How To Keep Safe in Dunkeswell

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Ensure doors and windows are securely locked, and consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme. With criminal damage and arson also being a concern, avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles or outside your property. Be mindful of suspicious activity and report any concerns to the authorities. For vehicle crime prevention, park in well-lit areas and consider a car alarm. Finally, if you are a homeowner, consider reinforcing door and window frames to deter forced entry.

Crimes in Dunkeswell exhibit a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are more frequent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 21% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences are slightly higher in the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Theft is most common during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), reflecting typical commercial hours. Vehicle crime tends to be elevated overnight (11pm - 6am), and ‘other’ crimes show a broad distribution across all time periods.

Comparing Dunkeswell to its neighbours, the area of Smeatharpe demonstrates a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, presenting a stark contrast. Hemyock, however, has a higher rate of 31.1 per 1,000, highlighting the variability in crime levels across the region. Kentisbeare and Culmstock also report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. These comparisons provide context for understanding Dunkeswell's relative safety within East Devon.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a recording of the crime after it has occurred. If you’re looking for more comprehensive protection in Dunkeswell, consider a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, moves beyond reactive recording. It uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundary, identifying potential threats before they escalate. The system’s DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises familiar faces and routines, only alerting you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS acts as a deterrent; most burglars decide within 60 seconds, and a system signalling serious protection can often make them move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.