Exmouth Crime Rate

Statistics for Exmouth

Exmouth is a secure coastal town with an overall crime rate of 62.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 84/100. Compared to the UK's average safety score of 79/100, Exmouth stands out as a safe environment for its 35,632 residents. The area is also showing a significant positive trend, with crime decreasing by -11.8% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates a continuously improving safety profile, making it an appealing location for families and professionals. 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 popular East Devon town.

Crime in Exmouth

Exmouth's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 47.0% of all recorded incidents (29.2 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 17.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.3%. These three categories represent the core focus for local community safety efforts.

Property-related crime in Exmouth—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 14.1 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 2.1% of total crime with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000. For residents, this suggests a relatively secure environment regarding theft. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage indicates that property owners should still consider proactive measures to deter opportunistic incidents and maintain their home's security.

Exmouth Crime Trends

Exmouth is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a year-over-year decrease of -11.8%. This is a strong indicator of an improving safety environment. The monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some seasonal variation, which is typical for a coastal town. The year began with a rate of 3.8 in December, rising gradually through the spring.

A peak occurred in July 2025, where the crime rate reached 7.2 per 1,000 people, likely reflecting increased activity during the peak summer tourist season. Following this peak, the rate declined steadily through the autumn, falling to 5.0 in September and 4.6 in October, before a slight rise to 4.8 in November. This overall reduction in crime volume over the 12-month period suggests that Exmouth is successfully maintaining and improving its safety standards, providing a positive outlook for the community.

How To Keep Safe in Exmouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Exmouth. 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, especially during the busier summer months when the town attracts more visitors. 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 Exmouth's safety.

Crime Timing in Exmouth

The timing of criminal activity in Exmouth reveals patterns that can help residents and visitors stay more secure. Theft is most prevalent during the day, accounting for 51% of incidents in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm) and 49% in the morning (6am to 12pm). This suggests that shoplifting and other thefts are more likely when retail and public areas are busiest.

Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a significant rise in 'Other' crimes (61%), which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences often associated with nightlife. Night-time (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for burglary, which accounts for 17% of incidents during these hours—the highest proportion across all time periods. Vehicle crime is also 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, Exmouth (62.1) is more active than its smaller neighbours like Lympstone (23.8) and Budleigh Salterton (30.1), which is expected given its larger population and status as a major coastal destination. However, it remains comparable to Starcross (52.3) and is significantly safer than the UK national average. For those seeking a larger town with a full range of amenities, Exmouth offers a balanced residential safety profile that is much more secure than many similar-sized urban areas across the country. Its consistent safety score of 84/100 makes it a reliable choice for residents within the East Devon district.

Proactive Security for Exmouth Properties

With a property crime rate of 14.1 per 1,000 and burglary being a notable concern, residents of Exmouth 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 three crimes, 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 Exmouth 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.