East Devon Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated East Devon's crime profile in April 2024, accounting for 33% of all reported incidents. This category, which recorded 258 crimes, was 38% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The area's overall crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents placed it 35.1% below the national average, a position consistent with East Devon's character as a largely rural district with a mix of coastal and inland communities. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.5% of all crimes, while criminal damage and arson made up 11%. The seasonal context of April, marked by Easter and the transition into spring, likely influenced patterns of outdoor activity and social interactions, which may have contributed to the prevalence of violent crime. However, the area's lower rates for property-related offences such as shoplifting (55% below UK average) and vehicle crime (79% below) suggest that local factors—such as community policing or retail security measures—may be effective in mitigating these types of crime. The balance between violent and property crime also reflects East Devon's demographic profile, with a relatively low proportion of high-density urban areas compared to major cities. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the dominance of violent crime underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where such incidents are concentrated.

April 2024 saw a 150% increase in theft from the person, rising from four to ten incidents, and a similar surge in robbery cases. These sharp rises may be linked to increased foot traffic during Easter and spring activities. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 8.2%, possibly reflecting the end of the winter season or targeted policing efforts. Shoplifting also doubled compared to March, a trend that contrasts with the broader UK context where shoplifting rates are typically higher. East Devon's rates for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are 18% and 15% below the UK average, respectively, suggesting local initiatives may be effective in addressing these issues. The significant drop in vehicle crime (7.7%) and possession of weapons (50%) further highlights areas where crime prevention strategies appear to be working.

East Devon's crime rate in April 2024 rose by 23.1% compared to March, reflecting a shift from 4.0 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 26 crimes reported each day in April, highlighting the persistent presence of crime in local communities. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 202 residents, a figure that contextualises the impact of crime on individual households. This monthly aggregate underscores the need for continuous monitoring, particularly as seasonal factors may influence patterns in the coming months. The population context further illustrates that while East Devon's crime rate is lower than the national average, the absolute number of incidents remains a consideration for local authorities and residents alike.