Sidmouth Crime Rate

Statistics for Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a highly secure coastal town with an overall crime rate of 48.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an excellent safety score of 88/100. Compared to the UK's average safety score of 79/100, Sidmouth stands out as a safe environment for its 14,512 residents. The recent trend direction is stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of -4.1%. This consistency suggests that the local safety environment is well-maintained, providing a reliable context for residents and prospective homeowners. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and timing patterns to help you understand the local safety context in this historic East Devon town.

Crime in Sidmouth

Sidmouth's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 46.9% of all recorded incidents (22.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 12.9%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.3%. These three categories represent the core focus for local community safety efforts.

Property-related crime in Sidmouth—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 13.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary specifically is quite rare, accounting for only 2.6% of total crime with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000. For residents, this suggests a relatively secure environment regarding theft. However, the prevalence of other theft (8.9%) and criminal damage indicates that property owners should still consider proactive measures to deter opportunistic incidents and maintain their home's security.

Sidmouth Crime Trends

Sidmouth is currently experiencing a stable crime trend, with a minor year-over-year decrease of -4.1%. This reduction indicates a consistent safety environment. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively steady pattern throughout the year.

The year began with a crime rate of 3.4 in December, remaining stable through the winter. A peak occurred in October 2025, where the crime rate reached 5.4 per 1,000 people. Other minor spikes were seen in June (5.0) and August (4.2). Following the October peak, the rate dropped back to 4.0 in November. This overall trajectory suggests that Sidmouth is successfully maintaining its safe character, with the total volume of crime remaining low and showing signs of a slight overall decline compared to the previous 12-month period.

How To Keep Safe in Sidmouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Sidmouth. While the overall crime rate is low and stable, personal safety remains a key consideration. Here are several practical tips for staying safe:

Maintain a high level of awareness when walking through the area, particularly in the evening. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated shortcuts. Sharing your travel plans or live location with a friend can provide an extra layer of security.

With criminal damage being a top-three crime, ensure your property is visibly protected. Use high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing a security system that offers proactive detection. Proactive lighting can also be a strong deterrent against anti-social behaviour around your home's perimeter.

Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle and ensure it is parked in a secure, well-lit area. Following these simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by opportunistic crime. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to the local police are also vital for maintaining Sidmouth's safety. Following these steps helps maintain the town's reputation as a secure and welcoming place.

Crime Timing in Sidmouth

The timing of criminal activity in Sidmouth reveals patterns that can help residents stay more secure. Theft is most prevalent during the day, accounting for 57% of incidents in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm) and 53% in the morning (6am to 12pm). This suggests that thefts are more likely when the town's retail areas and public spaces are most active.

Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a significant rise in 'Other' crimes (56%), which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Night-time (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for burglary, which accounts for 15% of incidents during these hours—the highest proportion across all time periods. Vehicle crime is also much more prominent at night (26%) compared to the daytime. These patterns highlight that while personal safety is a priority during the afternoon and evening, property and vehicle security should be the main focus overnight.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Sidmouth (48.2) maintains a very competitive safety profile. It is comparable to Newton Poppleford (44.5) and is significantly safer than the UK national average. While it is more active than very small rural hamlets like Sidbury, Tipton St John, and Otterton—all of which recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000—Sidmouth remains one of the most secure built-up areas in the East Devon local authority. For those seeking a town with a strong community feel and a low crime rate, Sidmouth offers a level of security that is far superior to many other coastal towns across the country.

Proactive Security for Sidmouth Properties

With a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 and burglary being a notable concern, residents of Sidmouth should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record footage of a crime but only notify you after the event has occurred. In an area where criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are among the top concerns, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system uses AI to provide a superior level of security. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect a potential intruder at your property boundary before they attempt to enter. This AI-driven approach allows for an autonomous response—such as activating deterrent lights or speakers—which can stop a crime in its tracks. For Sidmouth homeowners, scOS offers features like pattern learning to recognise family and deliveries, ensuring you are only alerted to real threats. By destroying the element of surprise, scOS makes your home a much harder target, preventing crime rather than just documenting it. This proactive deterrence is far more effective than traditional recording, as it aims to prevent the crime entirely.