Exmouth Crime Rate

Exmouth's crime rate of 63.8 per 1,000 residents is 29.8% below the UK average, yet the area faces a sharp increase in robbery — up 333.3% YoY. This unusual spike in a relatively safe area highlights the need to understand why certain crime types are rising despite overall improvements. Exmouth's safety score of 84/100 places it above the UK average, but the rapid growth in robbery requires closer examination.

Exmouth is a coastal town in East Devon, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant community. As a built-up area with a mix of residential and tourist zones, it experiences unique crime patterns. The presence of local businesses and seasonal tourism may influence anti-social behaviour and theft from the person, while the town's relatively compact layout may contribute to lower vehicle crime rates compared to larger urban centres.

The most surprising finding is that possession of weapons in Exmouth is 6% above the UK average, despite the area's overall low crime profile. This slight elevation may reflect local enforcement patterns or transient populations. Violence and sexual offences, though 7% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type, possibly linked to the town's nightlife and social hubs. Anti-social behaviour is 30% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement or lower population density. Property crime in Exmouth is 50.8% below the UK average, with shoplifting and vehicle crime particularly suppressed, likely due to the town's compact nature and strong local policing presence.

Exmouth's overall crime rate decreased by 7.0% YoY, reflecting a general improvement in safety. However, robbery saw a sharp 333.3% increase, which may be linked to seasonal patterns or specific events in 2026. The monthly trend shows a clear seasonal peak in July (7.2 per 1,000/month), likely tied to summer tourism, followed by a steady decline into February. While most crime types have fallen — including burglary (-41.8%) and vehicle crime (-27.0%) — the sudden rise in robbery requires further analysis to identify contributing factors.

How To Keep Safe in Exmouth

Given Exmouth's rising robbery rate, securing valuables when away from home is essential. For those with vehicles, parking in well-lit areas near residential zones may reduce risk, as vehicle crime peaks at night. Since 'other crimes' dominate evening hours, avoiding isolated areas after 10pm is advisable. Homeowners should consider AI-based security systems to detect and deter potential intruders, particularly in Exmouth's more secluded parts. Regularly reporting suspicious behaviour to local authorities can also help maintain the area's generally low crime profile.

Crime in Exmouth shows distinct time-of-day patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (48% of incidents), likely tied to retail activity and foot traffic. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a rise in 'other crimes' (66% of incidents), which may include anti-social behaviour or minor disputes. Nighttime (12am-6am) witnesses higher vehicle crime (15%) and 'other crimes' (58%), possibly due to isolated areas or reduced surveillance. These patterns align with Exmouth's character as a coastal town with active daytime commerce and quieter evenings.

Compared to nearby areas, Exmouth has a significantly higher crime rate than Lympstone (23.8 per 1,000) and Budleigh Salterton (28.6 per 1,000), though it is 27% lower than Starcross (50.1 per 1,000). These differences may reflect Lympstone's smaller population and more rural character, while Exmouth's built-up nature and tourist activity likely contribute to its higher crime profile.

For Exmouth residents, proactive security measures are key, particularly given the 6% above-average rate of possession of weapons, scOS's AI-powered perimeter detection can identify suspicious activity before it escalates, while its ability to distinguish between regular visitors and potential threats reduces false alarms. The system's autonomous deterrence features, such as automated lighting and speakers, are especially valuable in Exmouth's more isolated areas, where vehicle crime spikes at night. With a monthly cost of £19, scOS offers a discreet yet effective solution to maintain the area's strong safety record.