Ottery St Mary Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Ottery St Mary, the crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 in November 2025 means one reported crime occurs for every 253 people over the course of the month. This figure, though modest, is 45.2% below the UK average of 7.3, highlighting the area’s relative safety. The breakdown of crimes reveals a mix of concerns: violence and sexual offences account for 45.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.7%) and shoplifting (16.7%). While the high proportion of violent crimes may seem alarming, their rate (1.8 per 1,000) remains 30% below the UK average. This discrepancy likely reflects the town’s character—small, community-focused, and possibly less prone to the urban anonymity that can fuel certain types of crime. Seasonal factors also play a role: the dark evenings of November, coupled with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, may have influenced patterns, particularly in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall low rate suggests that local conditions, such as tight-knit communities or effective policing, may contribute to a safer environment. The UK average comparison further underscores that Ottery St Mary’s crime profile is distinct, with violent crimes and property thefts both significantly lower than national benchmarks. This could be due to the area’s rural-urban balance, where the built-up parts of the town may have fewer high-density commercial zones, reducing opportunities for theft or public order issues. The seasonal context also invites consideration of how local events and weather influence crime: for instance, the absence of major nightlife areas may limit opportunities for violence, while the small retail presence may reduce shoplifting. These factors, combined with the area’s population size, create a crime picture that is both low in volume and markedly different from larger urban centres.

November 2025 saw a dramatic 300% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from one incident to four. This surge, though small in absolute terms, could signal heightened social activity during Bonfire Night or seasonal gatherings. Shoplifting also doubled, with four incidents reported—11% above the UK average. This spike aligns with Black Friday’s impact on retail areas, even in a small town like Ottery St Mary. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 45.8% of all crimes, yet their rate (1.8 per 1,000) was 30% below the UK average. This suggests local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may mitigate some risks despite the seasonal pressures of November. The increase in other theft (100% from zero to two) hints at potential vulnerabilities in property security.

In November 2025, Ottery St Mary’s crime rate rose 26.2% compared to the previous month, moving from 3.1 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 45.2% below the UK average of 7.3. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day, a figure that reflects the small population of 6,077. Over the course of the month, this translates to one reported crime for every 253 residents, a metric that provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents. When scaled to the population, the rate underscores that Ottery St Mary continues to be significantly safer than the UK average, even as local conditions shift. This contrast highlights the area’s unique characteristics, possibly linked to its rural-urban balance and community-focused environment, which may inherently reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The comparison also reveals that while violent crimes remain the most common category, their frequency is still 30% below the UK average, suggesting local factors—such as strong community ties or policing efforts—play a role in moderating risk.