Exmouth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Exmouth's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the built-up area 31.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal factors, with the winter month typically associated with lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in certain crime types. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.2% of all reported crimes — a figure that, at 2.1 per 1,000, is 9% below the UK average for this category. This suggests a relatively stable community environment, though the high proportion of violent crimes may indicate challenges in maintaining public safety in specific areas. Criminal damage and arson formed the second-largest category, contributing 12.7% of total incidents. This rate (0.6 per 1,000) is 30% above the UK average, potentially linked to the town's coastal geography and the presence of both residential and commercial properties vulnerable to such offences. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with limited daylight and reduced outdoor activity — likely contributed to the overall low crime rate, though the increase in bicycle theft suggests that some activities remain unaffected by seasonal trends. The data also reveals a marked contrast in crime types: while property crimes (55 incidents) accounted for a significant portion, violent crimes (73) dominated the breakdown, indicating a combination of factors influencing local crime patterns. These findings must be viewed through the lens of Exmouth's specific character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and semi-rural features, where the built-up area's proximity to the sea may influence both the types and frequency of reported crimes.

The most striking month-on-month change was a 100% increase in bicycle theft, with two incidents reported in February after none in January. This jump, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain by the timing of local festivals or events that temporarily increased cycling activity. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, with a 66.7% increase from three to five incidents, possibly linked to changes in parking patterns or seasonal vehicle usage. In contrast, possession of weapons fell by two-thirds, a reduction that aligns with the typical low prevalence of such crimes in Exmouth's built-up area. Shoplifting saw a 54.5% increase, moving from 11 to 17 incidents — a shift that may reflect the opening of new retail outlets or changes in foot traffic patterns. Exmouth's violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) is 9% below the UK average for this category, while criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000) are 30% above the UK average. These divergences highlight the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its coastal character and local community dynamics.

Exmouth's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a -1.3% change from 4.5 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in local dynamics, though seasonal factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six reported crimes per day over the 28-day period — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for sustained community vigilance. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of one crime per 226 residents highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in Exmouth compared to other areas. This figure is particularly notable given the town's coastal location and the typically lower population density of built-up areas within East Devon. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the more pronounced fluctuations seen in specific crime categories, such as bicycle theft, which saw a 100% increase month-on-month. These variations illustrate how localised factors can drive crime trends independently of broader statistical averages.