Exmouth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Exmouth during January 2026 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by local demographics and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.8% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category. This contrasts with the UK average for this category, where the rate stands at 2.5 per 1,000 (20% below Exmouth’s 2.0 per 1,000). The dominance of violent crime in Exmouth’s profile may reflect the area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity, where interpersonal interactions in public spaces could contribute to higher rates of such offences. Property crimes, including shoplifting and burglary, were less common, with shoplifting at 0.3 per 1,000 (47% below the UK average) and burglary at 0.1 per 1,000 (64% below the UK average). This suggests that while violent crime remains a priority, property-related offences are relatively low compared to national trends. Seasonal context also plays a role, as January’s post-holiday period typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter days, which may dampen opportunities for shoplifting and other outdoor crimes. The overall crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 is 33.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, highlighting Exmouth’s generally safer environment. However, certain categories like criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000, 88% above the UK average) indicate localized challenges that require targeted attention. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of Exmouth’s built-up area, where crime prevention strategies must balance the needs of a small town with the pressures of seasonal tourism and community cohesion.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary, with shoplifting rising by 266.7% (3 to 11 incidents) and vehicle crime doubling from 1 to 3. These spikes may be linked to seasonal shifts, as January’s reduced retail activity and colder weather could drive individuals to target less-visited stores or vehicles parked in less secure areas. Conversely, other crime categories experienced notable declines: other crime fell by 60.0% (5 to 2), robbery dropped by 50.0% (2 to 1), and drugs-related offences decreased by 45.5% (11 to 6). This suggests that community-focused initiatives or seasonal lulls in certain activities may have had a temporary impact. The balance between violent and property crimes also shifted, with violent crime accounting for 43.8% of all incidents compared to property crimes’ 26.9% (60 total property crimes). This 16.9% increase in violent crime’s share compared to the previous month highlights a growing emphasis on interpersonal conflicts in the area. Exmouth’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.0 per 1,000) is 20% below the UK average, while criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000) is 88% above. This divergence underscores the need for tailored approaches to address specific vulnerabilities, such as vandalism in public spaces, while leveraging Exmouth’s relative strength in reducing violent crime. A resident might find the 43.8% share of violent crime in the overall tally particularly relevant, as it indicates a focus for local policing and community engagement efforts.

Exmouth’s crime rate in January 2026 fell to 4.5 per 1,000, a 7.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity and retail footfall typical of January. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that provides a concrete reference point for residents. When scaled to the local population of 35,632, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 223 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is a useful metric for understanding the frequency of crime in a way that accounts for the area’s size. Compared to the UK average, Exmouth’s overall safety is striking, with its crime rate 33.8% below the national figure. However, this safety margin is not uniform across all categories. For instance, the rate of criminal damage and arson is 88% above the UK average, suggesting that targeted interventions in areas prone to vandalism may be necessary. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Exmouth’s lower crime rates are not merely a function of its smaller size but reflect broader systemic factors, such as community policing efforts or the area’s geographic and economic characteristics. These comparisons highlight both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Exmouth’s crime profile, offering insights for local authorities and residents alike.