Exeter Crime Rate

Exeter, the regional capital of Devon, has an overall crime rate of 112.6 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. The city's safety score stands at 74/100, slightly below the national average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Exeter is stable, with a marginal 1.3% increase year-over-year. Property crime is a notable factor, with a rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 32.2. As a major commercial and educational hub, Exeter's crime profile is influenced by its high transient population and central activity. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and local comparisons to help residents and visitors understand the city's security landscape.

About Exeter

Exeter is the historic cathedral city and administrative hub of Devon, which significantly influences its crime statistics. As a regional centre for employment, retail, and education, the city experiences a high daily influx of commuters, shoppers, and students, particularly around the University of Exeter. This large transient population often leads to higher recorded crime rates than in more static residential districts. The city's vibrant nightlife, concentrated in the central areas, also contributes to anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Exeter is a major transport interchange, with two mainline railway stations and proximity to the M5 motorway, which can facilitate opportunistic crime. Additionally, as a major retail destination, shoplifting is a more prominent factor here than in neighbouring rural areas. These urban characteristics, combined with its role as a regional capital, create a busy environment where crime rates naturally reflect the high level of human activity and commercial density.

Crime Breakdown in Exeter

In Exeter, the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 37.3% of all recorded incidents (42.0 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.2%, followed by shoplifting at 13.6%. These figures are characteristic of a major regional city with a busy commercial centre and active nightlife.

Property crime in Exeter—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—carries a collective rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting is the most significant contributor, while burglary is relatively low at 2.6 per 1,000 (2.3% of total crime). For residents and homeowners, this means that while the city centre faces challenges with retail-related crime and social disturbances, residential burglary remains a less frequent concern. Nevertheless, the overall property crime rate suggests that taking proactive steps to secure homes and businesses is advisable in this urban environment.

Crime Trends in Exeter

The crime trend in Exeter is currently stable, with a very slight 1.3% increase year-over-year. This indicates that despite the city's growth and high activity levels, the overall volume of crime has remained remarkably consistent over the last twelve months.

Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in the late spring and early summer. May saw the highest rate of 11.5 per 1,000, followed by June at 10.8 and July at 10.4. The year began with lower rates in January (8.4) and February (8.2), and ended on a downward trend with December recording 8.0 per 1,000. These seasonal fluctuations are common in cities with significant student populations and tourism, as higher numbers of people in the city during the warmer months often correlate with increased crime reports. Overall, the stability of the trend suggests that Exeter's security environment is well-managed and predictable.

Exeter serves as the primary urban hub for the surrounding region, and its crime rate of 112.6 per 1,000 reflects this status. When compared to the neighbouring district of Teignbridge, which has a much lower rate of 61.7, Exeter's higher figures are typical for a regional capital. Other surrounding areas like East Devon, Mid Devon, Torbay, West Devon, and Somerset have reported zero crimes in the current data period, highlighting the significant contrast between the city's urban environment and the more rural or smaller settlements nearby. For those considering the region, Exeter offers the amenities of a major city but with the higher activity levels and associated crime rates typical of such a hub.

Exeter's property crime rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents is slightly above the national average, making effective home and business security a priority. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed but do little to stop it in progress. In a busy city like Exeter, proactive protection is far more effective.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundary 24/7, distinguishing between normal activity and real threats. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to deter them immediately. This approach is particularly valuable in urban areas like Exeter, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are common. For homeowners, scOS ensures that your property is a hard target, making opportunistic burglars move on to easier options. Choosing proactive protection over simple recording means you are actively defending your property rather than just documenting its loss.

How To Keep Safe in Exeter

Violence and sexual offences, along with anti-social behaviour, are the most common crime types in Exeter. Given the city's busy nightlife and commercial centre, personal safety awareness is key.

When enjoying the city's evening economy, try to stay in well-lit areas and travel with friends where possible. Being aware of your surroundings and planning your route home in advance can significantly reduce your risk.

Shoplifting is also a major factor in Exeter's crime statistics. Business owners should consider modern, proactive security measures to protect their stock and staff. For the general public, being mindful of your belongings in crowded shopping areas can help prevent opportunistic theft.

Residents are encouraged to report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local police. Community engagement is vital for keeping the city's neighbourhoods safe. Finally, ensure your home is secure by using high-quality locks and external lighting. In an urban environment like Exeter, visible security measures are a powerful deterrent against the property crimes that can occur in a busy city.