West Hill (East Devon) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for West Hill (East Devon), covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a concerning picture. With a rate of 31.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates that West Hill experiences a disproportionately higher level of criminal activity compared to the national average. Furthermore, the area’s safety score of 90/100, while seemingly positive, reflects the elevated crime rate. Over the reporting period, crime has been increasing, with a year-on-year rise of 5.9%, highlighting a need for increased vigilance and proactive safety measures within the community.

West Hill (East Devon) exhibits a concerning crime profile, with violence and sexual offences representing the most prevalent category, accounting for 66.7% of reported incidents. A total of 36 such crimes were recorded, significantly elevating the area's overall crime rate. Following violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson represent another area of concern, with 5 recorded incidents. Other theft, including shoplifting and minor theft, contributes a further 7.4% to the overall crime statistics. Vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are both present, each accounting for 5.6% of the total reported crimes. Finally, burglary, although comparatively less frequent, remains a notable concern, with 2 incidents reported. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences underscores the need for targeted preventative measures and community support.

Crime rates in West Hill have been steadily increasing over the reporting period. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in March and April 2025 (around 4.1 per 1,000/month) and a relative lull in August 2025 (1.2 per 1,000/month). However, the overall trend indicates a concerning upward trajectory, with a 5.9% year-on-year increase. This rise suggests a need for enhanced preventative measures and community engagement to address the underlying causes of criminal activity and ensure the safety and well-being of West Hill residents.

How To Keep Safe in West Hill

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in West Hill, residents should prioritise personal safety. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community vigilance. Secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid walking through poorly lit areas. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly and remember to keep valuables out of sight.

Crime in West Hill exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most likely to occur in the morning (5%) and afternoon (10%), with a slight increase in the evening (9%). Violence and sexual offences are concentrated during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekend nights, with a higher prevalence during the night (12am-6am). Vehicle crime demonstrates a pattern of increased activity overnight (11pm-6am). Theft appears to be more prevalent during commercial hours (afternoon), while other crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, show a more even distribution throughout the day, with a slight peak in the afternoon.

West Hill’s crime statistics stand in contrast to those of its neighbouring communities. Allercombe and Tipton St John report zero crimes per 1,000 residents, demonstrating a significantly safer environment. Conversely, Ottery St Mary and Newton Poppleford report crime rates of 45.6 and 44.5 per 1,000 respectively, indicating a higher level of criminal activity similar to West Hill. This disparity highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of targeted interventions within West Hill.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. If you're serious about protecting your property in West Hill, consider a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary – before they escalate. Using multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS learns your routines and distinguishes between family members, deliveries, and potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS equipment, with its lights activating and speakers engaging, creates a powerful deterrent, often prompting potential burglars to move on within that critical 60-second window. While traditional security systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS provides a significant advantage in preventing crime before it happens.