Seaton (East Devon) Crime Rate

Seaton (East Devon) is a safe and attractive coastal town with an overall crime rate of 50.8 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an excellent safety score of 87/100. While the town has seen a significant year-over-year increase in reported crime of 58.9%, it is important to note that this rise is from a very low baseline and the area remains fundamentally secure for its 7,687 residents. The following data, spanning January 2025 to December 2025, provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns, including the types of offences most common in the area and how Seaton compares to its neighbouring Devon communities.

Seaton's crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 52.7% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour (12.5%) and public order offences (8.2%) are the next most frequent. Property crime in Seaton, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, has a collective rate of 10.9 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' is the largest contributor at 6.9%, while shoplifting accounts for 3.8%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively rare, representing just 2.3% and 1.0% of total crime respectively. For residents, these statistics highlight that while personal safety and public order are the primary local concerns, property-related risks are significantly lower than in many other coastal towns.

Seaton has experienced a notable increase in reported crime, with a 58.9% rise year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows the rate fluctuating between a low of 2.5 in February and a peak of 5.6 in July. The year began at 4.6 and ended at 3.1 in December. While the percentage increase is high, the overall rate of 50.8 per 1,000 remains well below the UK average. This trend suggests that while Seaton is seeing more recorded activity, it continues to be a safe community. For residents, this rise highlights the importance of continued engagement with local safety initiatives and maintaining good personal and property security habits.

How To Keep Safe in Seaton (East Devon)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Seaton, often occurring in public areas or linked to the town's evening economy. To enhance your personal safety, consider these tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the town centre or along the seafront, especially during late evening hours.
2. If you are out socialising, try to stay in well-lit areas and plan your journey home with friends or a reliable transport provider.
3. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or public order offences to the local police, as this helps them manage resources and target specific areas.
4. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight when in busy public spaces to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
5. For homeowners, ensure that all entry points are well-maintained and securely locked, particularly during the night when property-related risks are proportionally higher.

Crime in Seaton shows distinct patterns across different times of the day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, which accounts for 64% and 66% of crimes respectively, primarily linked to retail activity. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—become more prominent, representing 44% of incidents. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is the most critical for property owners; while overall volume is lower, burglary reaches its highest proportional level at 23% and vehicle crime spikes to 14%. These patterns suggest that while personal safety and retail theft are daytime and evening concerns, home and vehicle security are most vital during the late-night hours.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Seaton has a higher crime rate, which is typical for the largest urban settlement in the local area. Seaton's rate of 50.8 per 1,000 contrasts with Beer (31.1) and Colyton (32.1). Very small nearby villages like Axmouth and Colyford report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 people. While Seaton is more active than these rural spots, its crime rate remains nearly half the national average. For those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a full range of amenities, Seaton offers a high level of safety within a functional and vibrant community.

With a property crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000, Seaton is a low-risk environment, yet property security remains a key consideration for homeowners. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV or video doorbells are reactive, meaning they only record footage after an incident has occurred. For residents who want to stop crime before it happens, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is a superior alternative. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity—such as an unrecognised individual loitering or a vehicle with suspicious plates—before a break-in is attempted. The system can then respond autonomously with lights and audio alerts, deterring the intruder at the perimeter. This professional-grade protection is highly effective in residential coastal areas, ensuring that your home is bypassed in favour of less secure properties.