Ottery St Mary Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

May 2025 marked a distinct shift in Ottery St Mary’s crime profile, with a 13.8% increase in the overall crime rate compared to April, though the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. The local crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents—33.3% below the national average of 8.1—reflects a pattern of low-level incidents concentrated in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 57.6% of all crimes, a figure that, while higher than the UK average for this category (2.8 per 1,000), is mitigated by the area’s small population and rural character. Anti-social behaviour emerged as a growing concern, with 10 incidents recorded, compared to the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This may be linked to seasonal factors, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays could contribute to increased outdoor socialising and associated disturbances. Property crimes, including other theft, criminal damage, and vehicle crime, were lower than the UK average, with rates for these categories 62–50% below national figures. This could be attributed to the area’s built-up nature within a rural setting, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity may deter certain types of crime. The low volume of incidents—33 total crimes over 6,077 residents—suggests that the area’s crime picture remains sparse, but the month-on-month changes highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where anti-social behaviour is rising.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in May 2025 was a 150% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from four incidents in April to ten. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in drug-related offences and vehicle crime, signals a notable shift in the crime mix. While property crimes fell to just one incident—a 66.7% drop from April—violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 57.6% of all reported offences. This balance of violent and non-violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are 10% higher than in Ottery St Mary. The local rate for anti-social behaviour is also 20% above the UK average, suggesting a unique challenge in managing community disorder. For residents, the spike in anti-social behaviour may be a concern, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic during the extended evenings of May.

Ottery St Mary’s crime rate in May 2025 rose 13.8% compared to 4.8 per 1,000 in April, reflecting a continued upward trend after a period of relative stability. This brings the local rate to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, which, while still below the UK average of 8.1, shows a shift in the crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 184 residents—a monthly aggregate that highlights the low frequency of incidents in this area. Daily crime context reveals an average of one crime per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, underscores the sparse nature of criminal activity in a small built-up area. When compared to the UK’s broader context, Ottery St Mary remains significantly safer, with its rate 33.3% below the national average. However, the rise in certain categories, such as anti-social behaviour, suggests localized pressures that may be linked to seasonal factors like extended evenings and bank holidays in May, which could increase public socialising and related disturbances.