Ottery St Mary Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ottery St Mary's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 54.4% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the area's relatively low crime profile, a pattern consistent with its character as a small, historic built-up area within East Devon. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.4% of total crimes (9 incidents), followed by other theft (21.1%, 4 incidents). These figures align with seasonal trends observed in January, a post-holiday month marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may contribute to lower outdoor crime rates. The area's low crime rate could be attributed to its compact size, limited commercial density, and strong community cohesion, factors that often correlate with lower rates of property crimes and public order offences. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences highlights vulnerabilities in local safety that may require targeted interventions, particularly in residential areas or during evening hours. The seasonal context of January—characterised by colder weather, shorter days, and fewer tourists—may also explain the absence of crimes typically linked to high-traffic areas, such as shoplifting or theft from the person. While the overall crime rate remains well below national benchmarks, the distribution of crime types suggests a need for nuanced approaches to policing and community engagement that address specific local challenges.

January 2026 saw dramatic shifts in Ottery St Mary's crime profile, with three categories experiencing 100% month-on-month increases. Other thefts rose sharply from zero to four incidents, a jump that contrasts with the UK average rate of 0.5 per 1,000 (Ottery's rate of 0.7 per 1,000 was 52% above the national benchmark). Similarly, possession of weapons and public order offences both emerged as new categories in the monthly tally, marking a 100% increase from December. These spikes stand in stark contrast to decreases in criminal damage and arson (-75%), drugs (-66.7%), and anti-social behaviour (-66.7%), suggesting a shifting focus in criminal activity. The rise in other thefts, while modest in absolute terms, may reflect heightened awareness or reporting, particularly in residential areas during the post-holiday period. Meanwhile, the absence of shoplifting or theft from the person—categories typically associated with tourist areas—aligns with January's reduced footfall and seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly half of all crimes, remained 40% below the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), a figure that may be influenced by the area's smaller population and community-oriented policing strategies. Residents may find the 100% increase in other thefts noteworthy, as it suggests a need for enhanced security measures in private properties during the winter months.

Ottery St Mary's crime rate in January 2026 (3.1 per 1,000) marked a 34.4% decrease from December's 4.8 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of declining crime levels. This monthly reduction, combined with the area's overall rate being 54.4% below the UK average, positions Ottery St Mary as one of the safer built-up areas in England and Wales. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the potential for localised spikes in specific categories. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 320 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the national average. This statistic, when contextualised within Ottery St Mary's population of 6,077, illustrates the relatively low frequency of crime affecting individual households. The comparison to the previous month highlights a consistent downward trajectory in crime, which may be attributed to a combination of seasonal factors—such as reduced tourism—and the area's inherent characteristics as a small, tightly knit community. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader perspective on how often residents are likely to encounter crime, reinforcing the area's reputation as a low-risk environment for daily life.