East Devon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

East Devon’s crime rate in January 2026 was 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 51.5% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures reflects the region’s unique characteristics, which likely include a mix of rural and coastal communities with lower population density and fewer urban centres compared to major cities. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 49% of all reported incidents. This dominance of violent crime, despite the area’s lower overall rate, may be influenced by local factors such as the presence of educational institutions, which can contribute to higher rates of assault or harassment. The second and third most common crimes were criminal damage and arson (10.6%) and other theft (8.1%), both of which remained well below their respective UK averages. Seasonal context plays a role in shaping these patterns: January’s post-holiday period, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours likely contributed to lower rates of shoplifting and other outdoor crimes. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting—despite these conditions—suggests other dynamics at play, such as targeted retail theft during sales or changes in enforcement focus. The overall crime profile indicates a relatively safe environment, though the prominence of violent crime highlights the need for continued attention to community safety initiatives. This data aligns with broader trends observed in similar rural and coastal areas, where crime tends to be more concentrated in specific sectors such as local businesses or public spaces.

January 2026 saw a 93.3% increase in shoplifting, with the number of incidents rising from 15 to 29. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggests potential shifts in retail activity or enforcement patterns. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 52.6%, from 19 to 29 incidents, a move that contrasts with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 66.7%, from 3 to 1, a decrease that may reflect improved security measures or reduced foot traffic during the post-holiday period. Several crime categories were significantly below the UK average: anti-social behaviour was 78% lower, and vehicle crime was 73% lower. These disparities highlight East Devon’s unique crime profile, with property crimes generally underrepresented compared to national trends. For residents, the sharp decline in theft from the person may indicate a lower risk of personal crime during this month.

East Devon’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, a 12.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.8. This decline aligns with broader seasonal trends, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 17 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the local context of a mix of rural and coastal communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 299 residents, a statistic that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime relative to the population size. When scaled to the area’s 158,239 residents, this suggests that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives, though localised pockets may experience higher concentrations of specific offences. The comparison to the UK average underscores East Devon’s position as a safer area, with the overall crime rate nearly half that of the national figure.