East Devon Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

East Devon's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 46.3% of all reported incidents. This figure is higher than the UK average for that category, which stands at 2.3 per 1,000. The overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents places the area 46.9% below the national average, a figure that reflects East Devon's broader safety context. The dominance of violent crimes, particularly in the absence of higher property crime rates, suggests a local dynamic that may be influenced by factors such as population density or social patterns. For instance, the prevalence of violence and sexual offences could be linked to the area's mix of urban and rural characteristics, where concentrated communities may experience higher interpersonal crime rates compared to more dispersed rural settings. Seasonal context also plays a role, with February's low outdoor activity contributing to a shift in crime patterns, as indoor spaces become more frequented. The relatively low rates of property crimes such as burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000) further contrast with the UK averages, indicating that East Devon's residents may benefit from stronger community policing or environmental design features that deter such offences. This mix of crime types illustrates an area where interpersonal conflicts and localised tensions are more prominent than large-scale property crime, a pattern that may warrant closer examination in the context of local initiatives and demographic trends.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 181.8% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 11 to 31 incidents. This surge may reflect seasonal shifts, as winter months often see higher vehicle-related crimes due to increased indoor activity and reduced visibility. Theft from the person also doubled, with one incident rising to two, while bicycle theft saw a similar jump from zero to two. These increases contrast with declines in other areas, including a 66.7% drop in robbery cases and a 34.5% decrease in burglary. The crime mix reveals a stark imbalance, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 46.3% of all crimes—significantly higher than the UK average for that category. Categories like anti-social behaviour, which are 67% below the UK average, underscore East Devon's distinct profile. For residents, the sharp rise in vehicle crime highlights a specific concern worth noting in local planning.

East Devon's crime rate in February 2026 rose slightly to 3.4 per 1,000 residents, a 2.7% increase from the previous month's 3.3. This translates to roughly 19 crimes reported daily, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a localised timeframe. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 292 residents, illustrating the relative frequency of crime in a monthly aggregate. With a population of 158,239, this means the area's crime profile remains lower than the UK average, which stands at 6.4 per 1,000. The comparison to the UK highlights East Devon's position as a safer area, particularly when considering categories such as anti-social behaviour, which are 67% below the national average. These statistics offer a tangible sense of the scale of crime for residents, showing that while the rate has increased slightly, the overall exposure remains low in absolute terms.