West Hill (East Devon) Crime Rate

Crime in West Hill (East Devon)

West Hill is a highly safe urban settlement located in East Devon. With an overall crime rate of 34.5 per 1,000 residents, it is considerably more secure than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 89/100, which is well above the national average of 78. However, the area has experienced an increasing trend in criminal activity, with a 34.1% rise in reports year-over-year. Despite this recent increase, West Hill remains one of the safer places to live in the region. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the types of crime reported, timing patterns, and how West Hill compares to its neighbouring areas.

Crime Breakdown in West Hill (East Devon)

The vast majority of crime in West Hill consists of violence and sexual offences, which account for 66.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by other theft at 8.5%, and both anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at 6.8%. These figures indicate that while violent crime is the primary category, the overall volume remains low given the small population.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, is particularly low in West Hill, with a rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly better than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary represents only 5.1% of total crime, and vehicle crime is even lower at 3.4%. For residents, this suggests a very secure environment for homes and property, although the high percentage of violence and sexual offences highlights a need for continued focus on personal safety within the community.

Crime Trends in West Hill (East Devon)

The crime trend in West Hill is currently increasing, with a 34.1% rise in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout 2025, peaking in May at 4.7 per 1,000 residents. Other high-activity months included March and April, both reaching 4.1.

In contrast, the area saw its lowest activity in August 2025 with a rate of 1.2. The latter half of the year generally showed a downward trend after the spring peak, but the overall annual increase remains a point of interest for the community. While the absolute numbers are still low, the upward trajectory suggests that the area is experiencing more frequent incidents than in previous years, warranting a proactive approach to local safety and security.

How To Keep Safe in West Hill (East Devon)

The most prevalent crime type in West Hill is violence and sexual offences, representing over 66% of all reports. While the total number of incidents is low, personal safety and community awareness are key to maintaining a secure environment.

To enhance your safety in West Hill, consider the following:

1. When walking during the evening or night, stick to familiar, well-lit paths and avoid taking shortcuts through isolated areas.
2. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lights, which can deter unwanted visitors and improve visibility for you and your neighbours.
3. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible when out, and consider sharing your location with a friend or family member if walking alone.
4. Be aware of your surroundings in public spaces and trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, move to a populated area.
5. Participate in or stay informed about local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to help keep the community connected and vigilant against all types of crime.

Crime Timing and Patterns in West Hill (East Devon)

Crime in West Hill follows specific time-based patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most significant concern, accounting for 46% and 49% of incidents respectively. Burglary also becomes more prominent in the afternoon, making up 26% of crimes during those hours.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the profile shifts. In the evening, 'other' crimes become the dominant category at 41%. The most critical period for property security is the night (12am - 6am), where burglary and vehicle crime combined account for 62% of all reports. Specifically, burglary peaks at 30% during these early hours. This data suggests that while daytime crime is more theft-oriented, the night-time poses the highest risk for direct property intrusion. Residents should ensure their home security is at its most robust during the overnight period.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its neighbours, West Hill (34.5) holds a strong position. It is safer than both Ottery St Mary (44.4) and Newton Poppleford (40.6). However, there are even safer pockets nearby, with Allercombe and Tipton St John reporting zero crimes per 1,000 residents. This indicates that West Hill is situated in a generally low-crime region of East Devon, where safety levels are consistently high. For those seeking a balance between community size and security, West Hill offers a very competitive safety profile relative to its larger neighbours.

Proactive Security for West Hill Residents

While West Hill enjoys a low property crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000, the recent 34.1% increase in overall crime suggests that homeowners should be more vigilant. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV or doorbell cameras are often reactive—they record a burglary while it happens but do little to stop it. For true protection, a proactive approach is necessary.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and intervene autonomously. If a suspicious individual is detected, the system can activate lights or audio alerts to deter them immediately. With burglary accounting for 30% of night-time incidents in West Hill, the ability to stop an intruder before they enter is invaluable. For residents who want to maintain the high safety standards of West Hill, scOS offers a superior level of protection that focuses on prevention rather than just recording.