Exeter Crime Rate

Exeter has an overall crime rate of 113.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 74/100, indicating that while the city is a safe place to live, it does experience the typical crime patterns of a major regional hub. The crime trend in Exeter is currently stable, with a minor 2.7% increase year-over-year. For residents, the data shows that while violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common offences, property crime also occurs at a rate of 38.0 per 1,000, which is above the national average. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the statistics to help you understand the safety landscape of the Exeter local authority area.

About Exeter

Exeter is a vibrant cathedral city and the administrative centre of Devon. As a regional hub, it features a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and commercial characteristics. The presence of the University of Exeter brings a large student population, which adds to the city's transient nature. Exeter's economy is driven by a strong retail sector, particularly in the High Street and Princesshay areas, as well as major employers in healthcare, education, and public administration. The city is also a significant transport hub, with major rail links and proximity to the M5 motorway, which can influence crime patterns. The nightlife in the city centre, while a boost to the local economy, often contributes to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. These factors, combined with Exeter's role as a regional service centre, result in a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy, populated urban area.

Crime in Exeter

In Exeter, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.0% of all recorded incidents (5,804 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 17.4%, followed by shoplifting at 14.0%. Together, these three categories represent over two-thirds of the total crime in the local authority area.

When examining property crime overall—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—Exeter has a rate of 38.0 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3. Specifically, there were 363 recorded burglaries and 239 vehicle crimes over the 12-month period. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while personal safety and anti-social behaviour are significant concerns, property-related offences also occur at a rate that warrants proactive security measures. The high shoplifting rate also suggests that commercial areas are particularly targeted, which can have knock-on effects for the wider community.

Exeter Crime Trends

Exeter's crime rate is currently stable, with a minor 2.7% increase year-over-year. This consistency suggests that the city's safety environment is not undergoing any major shifts. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows some seasonal variation, with the highest crime rate occurring in May 2025 at 11.5 per 1,000 people, followed by June at 10.8 and July at 10.4.

The safest period was February 2025, which saw a relatively lower rate of 8.2. Other low-crime months included January (8.4), November (8.5), and October (8.6). Despite the slight increase, the overall trend remains steady. For residents, this means that while certain months, particularly in the spring and summer, may see more activity, the long-term outlook for Exeter is one of relative stability. The absence of major spikes indicates that the city's crime patterns are consistent with its role as a busy regional hub.

Exeter's crime rate of 113.4 is significantly higher than that of its neighbouring local authorities. Nearby Teignbridge has a much lower rate of 61.7. Other surrounding areas, including Mid Devon, East Devon, Torbay, West Devon, and Somerset, all recorded much lower crime rates. This regional context highlights Exeter as the primary urban centre where crime is more concentrated. For those considering the wider region, Exeter offers the amenities of a major city but with a higher crime profile compared to the more rural and suburban neighbouring districts. This is a common pattern for regional hubs in the UK.

In Exeter, the property crime rate is 38.0 per 1,000, which is above the national average. This makes property security a key priority for many residents. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV or DIY alarms are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. For homeowners who want to proactively protect their property, scOS offers a more advanced solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence, it can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, removing the element of surprise. In a city like Exeter, where burglary and vehicle crime are relevant concerns, a professional-grade system like scOS acts as a powerful deterrent. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure your home remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Exeter

The most common crime type in Exeter is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the city is generally safe, taking proactive steps can help maintain personal safety.

Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the city centre, particularly during the evening and late-night hours when anti-social behaviour is more likely to be reported. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas.

Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the police. Early reporting helps authorities address issues before they become more serious and can help identify patterns in specific neighbourhoods.

Ensure that your home and outbuildings are properly secured. Use high-quality locks on doors, windows, sheds, and garages, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft, particularly in more densely populated urban areas.

Be mindful of personal safety in commercial areas where shoplifting is common. Keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded retail spaces. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also be a very effective way to stay informed and connected with your community.