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, at 1.6 per 1,000 residents, remains 38% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting the area's generally lower levels of violent crime compared to national standards. The overall crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents places East Devon significantly below the UK average of 7.7, with the gap widening across multiple categories. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage followed as the second and third most common crime types, each maintaining a gap below national averages. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—likely influenced patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to higher rates of public order offences and shoplifting. However, the area's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK suggests a combination of geographic factors, including its mix of rural and coastal environments, which may naturally limit opportunities for certain types of crime. This profile contrasts with larger urban centres, where higher population density and economic activity often correlate with elevated crime rates. The data also highlights East Devon's success in maintaining a crime picture that is both stable and below national benchmarks, though the slight upward trend from March to April indicates the need for continued monitoring of emerging patterns.

April 2024 saw a dramatic 150% increase in robbery cases, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights vulnerabilities in specific locations such as high-traffic retail areas. Shoplifting also doubled during the month, with 52 incidents recorded—nearly twice the March figure. This surge may be linked to Easter shopping activity. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 7.7% (13 to 12 incidents), a decline that could reflect seasonal changes in vehicle usage or enhanced local security measures. The category of 'Other crime' was the only one in April that exceeded the UK average, though by a narrow margin (25% above). This anomaly suggests the need for closer examination of unclassified incidents, which may include emerging crime types or underreported activities in the area.

East Devon's crime rate in April 2024 rose by 23.1% compared to March 2024, moving from 4.0 to 5.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in the area, where spring weather and Easter-related activity may contribute to heightened public interaction. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 26 crimes per day in April, a figure that reflects both the month's length and the nature of local crime patterns. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-202 residents experiencing a crime illustrates a relatively low level of personal risk compared to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly notable given East Devon's mix of rural and coastal communities, where lower population density often correlates with reduced crime rates. The increase from March to April, while statistically significant, remains within a range consistent with historical fluctuations in the area's crime profile.