Ottery St Mary Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary records an overall crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 residents per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The town's strong safety profile is further highlighted by an impressive safety score of 89 out of 100, comfortably exceeding the national average of 78. However, over the past year, Ottery St Mary has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a rise of 7.2%. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the area's security, offering valuable context for both residents and visitors.

Crime Type Analysis in Ottery St Mary

In Ottery St Mary, 'Violence and sexual offences' represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 48.0% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people. 'Anti-social behaviour' follows as the second most common, making up 17.8% of crimes with a rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents. The third most frequent crime type is 'Criminal damage and arson', which constitutes 8.6% of the total, with 3.8 incidents per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Ottery St Mary stands at 8.9 per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Key contributors to this figure include 'Criminal damage and arson', 'Other theft', and 'Burglary', with rates of 3.8, 2.0, and 1.0 per 1,000 respectively. For local residents and homeowners, understanding these patterns can help in implementing targeted security measures to protect their properties and belongings.

Crime Trends in Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a rise of 7.2% in its overall crime rate. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with lower crime rates per 1,000 residents recorded in March 2025 (2.0), September 2025 (2.5), and February 2025 (2.8). Conversely, the town saw higher crime rates in June 2025 (5.9), May 2025 (5.4), and April 2025 (4.8). These variations suggest seasonal influences, with the overall trend indicating a need for residents to remain vigilant regarding local safety, particularly given the notable increase.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns in Ottery St Mary

Crime in Ottery St Mary exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent offence, accounting for 39% of crimes, closely followed by 'Other crime' at 45%. Burglary also occurs, making up 10% of incidents. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains significant at 42%, with 'Other crime' at 39% and burglary increasing slightly to 16%.

The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a significant shift, with 'Other crime' becoming the most common type at 67%, while theft reduces to 14% and burglary sits at 13%. This suggests a change in the nature of criminal activity as social patterns evolve. Night-time (12am-6am) experiences a rise in 'Other crime' (55%) and burglary (20%), alongside noticeable vehicle crime (16%). These patterns highlight the varying risks and types of offences residents might encounter at different times of the day in Ottery St Mary.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Ottery St Mary to its neighbouring areas, its safety profile is generally favourable despite its increasing crime trend. With an overall crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 89/100, Ottery St Mary presents a secure environment. Nearby settlements such as Tipton St John, Feniton, West Hill (East Devon), and Allercombe, often being smaller and more rural, tend to have similar or even lower crime rates. This comparison highlights Ottery St Mary's position as a relatively safe urban area within the wider East Devon region.

Enhancing Your Protection in Ottery St Mary

With Ottery St Mary's property crime rate at 8.9 per 1,000 people, residents may consider enhancing their home security. Rather than relying on traditional CCTV that merely records a burglary, proactive solutions like an AI-powered home security operating system such as scOS can prevent crime before it happens. This system detects threats at your property boundary, offering a significant advantage over reactive recording.

scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between normal activity and real threats. Its autonomous response features, including activating lights and engaging speakers, are designed to deter intruders within the crucial 60-second window most burglars use to decide. Opting for professional-grade security like scOS signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another, providing true peace of mind.