East Devon Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 158,239, East Devon recorded 634 crimes in October 2025, translating to a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 48.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a significant difference that reflects broader safety trends in the region. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (50.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%) and criminal damage and arson (8.5%). These figures align with the seasonal context of October, when darker evenings and Halloween activities may influence crime patterns. The high proportion of violent crimes could be linked to the area's mix of urban and rural landscapes, where concentrated population centres may experience higher rates of interpersonal offences. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average, remains a persistent issue in local communities, tied to the presence of public spaces and social hubs. The low incidence of shoplifting (2.8% of total) and burglary (2.7% of total), both well below UK averages, suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies in retail and residential areas. The seasonal transition into autumn, with shorter daylight hours, may also contribute to increased reports of violence and anti-social behaviour, as outdoor activity patterns shift. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions during periods of environmental change, while the overall safety profile of East Devon remains markedly better than national benchmarks.

October 2025 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 233.3% (from 3 to 10 incidents) and other crime increasing by 150% (from 12 to 30). These jumps, though not uncommon in monthly cycles, warrant attention given their sharpness. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 14.3% (from 21 to 18), possibly linked to Halloween-related retail activity or temporary reductions in opportunistic theft. The violent crime category, while still dominating the landscape (50.3% of total), remains 25% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting local factors such as community policing or demographic characteristics may mitigate violence. Anti-social behaviour, though a persistent concern, is 68% below the UK average, which could reflect the area's lower population density or successful local initiatives. The significant rise in 'other crime' (now 4.7% of total) may indicate underreported or emerging issues requiring further investigation. For residents, the most immediately relevant statistic is the 233.3% increase in weapon possession, which may signal a need for enhanced community safety measures or targeted awareness campaigns.

The crime rate in East Devon rose 15.6% from 3.5 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents between September and October 2025.1% below the UK average. This increase translates to roughly 20 crimes reported daily, a figure that, while modest, highlights the ongoing need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 250 residents—a ratio that, when contextualised with the area's population of 158,239, underscores the relatively low risk faced by individuals. This monthly exposure rate is particularly noteworthy when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be significantly higher. The rise in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, despite remaining below national levels, may be attributed to the seasonal shift into autumn, with darker evenings potentially increasing opportunities for such offences. The daily crime count provides a tangible reference point for residents: in a typical day, 20 incidents occur across the district, distributed across a mix of urban and rural environments. This rate, while not alarmingly high, necessitates continued community engagement and targeted policing efforts to maintain the area's current safety profile.