Honiton Crime Rate

Honiton is a safe and welcoming market town with an overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the area a high safety score of 86/100. Most encouragingly, the town has seen a significant decrease in crime, with a 15.7% year-over-year reduction. This downward trend indicates a positive shift in local security and policing effectiveness. With a population of 11,711, Honiton maintains a community-focused atmosphere where crime levels are well-managed. The following data, covering January 2025 to December 2025, provides a detailed look at crime types, time patterns, and how Honiton compares to its neighbouring Devon communities.

Honiton's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.0% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour (13.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.8%) complete the top three crime types. Property crime in Honiton, which encompasses burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, has a combined rate of 16.2 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most significant at 8.1%, while shoplifting accounts for 5.6%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively infrequent, making up 1.9% and 2.6% of the total respectively. For homeowners, these statistics indicate that while the general risk of property crime is low, maintaining vigilance regarding theft and criminal damage remains important for long-term security.

Honiton is experiencing a very positive crime trend, with total offences decreasing by 15.7% year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively stable throughout the year, typically ranging between 4.2 and 5.7 per 1,000 residents. There was a slight peak in September (5.7) and October (5.3), but the year ended with a lower rate of 5.2 in December. This significant annual reduction suggests that Honiton is becoming increasingly safe, likely due to effective local policing and community safety initiatives. For residents and potential movers, this consistent downward trajectory is a strong indicator of a well-managed and secure urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Honiton

Violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes in Honiton, often linked to nightlife or domestic incidents. To help maintain your personal safety in the town, we suggest the following:

1. When walking through the town centre late at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid secluded alleys or parks.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines or carrying shopping, particularly during busy market days.
3. If you are out in the evening, try to arrange transport in advance or walk with a group of people you know.
4. Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local neighbourhood policing team, as early intervention can prevent more serious incidents.
5. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is visibly secured can act as a strong deterrent against the opportunistic theft that sometimes occurs in town centres.

Analysis of crime by time of day in Honiton reveals shifting risks. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, which accounts for 54% and 59% of crimes respectively. This suggests that the majority of daytime incidents are retail or opportunistically focused. In contrast, the evening and night periods see a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which peaks at 54% in the evening. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the most critical period for property owners; while overall crime volume is lower, vehicle crime spikes to 28% and burglary reaches its highest proportional level at 14%. These patterns indicate that while personal safety is a daytime focus, vehicle and home security are paramount during the nocturnal hours.

In the context of the local region, Honiton acts as a central hub. Its crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 is higher than that of more residential neighbours like Ottery St Mary (45.6) and Dunkeswell (24.4). This is expected for a town with a more significant commercial centre and transport links. Nearby villages such as Feniton (16.1) and Offwell (0.0) report much lower figures, reflecting their smaller, quieter nature. Despite being higher than its immediate rural neighbours, Honiton's crime rate remains far below the national average, making it a secure choice for those who want the convenience of a market town without the safety concerns often found in larger urban areas.

With a property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000, Honiton residents should consider modern security solutions to protect their homes. Traditional security systems are predominantly reactive; they record footage of an incident, but often only after the damage is done. For those seeking true prevention, proactive AI-powered systems like scOS offer a significant advantage. By monitoring property boundaries with intelligent multi-camera analysis, scOS can detect potential threats—such as unrecognised individuals loitering or vehicles with suspicious plates—before a break-in occurs. The system's ability to respond autonomously with lights and audio alerts destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a town like Honiton, where property crime is relatively low, this professional-grade deterrence ensures your home is skipped in favour of easier, less protected targets.