Exeter Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Exeter

Exeter, with a population of 138,399, experiences an overall crime rate of 114.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Exeter slightly above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. For property-related offences, Exeter's rate is 40.2 per 1,000, which is also higher than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. The area currently holds a safety score of 74 out of 100, indicating a generally safer environment compared to many other regions, though it is slightly below the UK average safety score of 78/100. Recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 12.1% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of Exeter's crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends within the area.

About Exeter: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

Exeter's crime statistics are influenced by a combination of its characteristics as a vibrant urban centre. As a historic city and a significant regional hub in Devon, Exeter attracts a diverse population, including a substantial student community due to its university. This demographic mix, combined with a thriving commercial centre, extensive nightlife, and a notable tourism industry, can contribute to certain crime patterns, particularly related to anti-social behaviour, violence, and theft. The city's role as a transport hub, with a major train station, also introduces a transient population, which can sometimes correlate with increased opportunities for certain types of offences.

Economically, Exeter generally enjoys a relatively stable environment, but as with any urban area, varying socio-economic factors within different neighbourhoods can play a role in crime rates. The presence of numerous retail establishments, particularly in the city centre, makes it susceptible to crimes like shoplifting. Understanding these underlying characteristics – from its bustling city life and tourist attractions to its student population and transport links – helps to provide a comprehensive picture of the factors that contribute to Exeter's overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in Exeter

An examination of crime types in Exeter reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most significant category, accounting for 35.7% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 40.9 per 1,000 residents. Following this, 'Anti-social behaviour' makes up 17.5% of offences at 20.0 per 1,000, and 'Shoplifting' is the third most prevalent, representing 15.4% of crimes with a rate of 17.6 per 1,000. These three categories together highlight key areas of concern for residents and local authorities.

Property-related crimes collectively present a notable aspect of Exeter's crime profile. This broad category, encompassing burglary, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, contributes significantly to the overall crime rate. Specifically, property crime in Exeter stands at 40.2 per 1,000 people per year. This includes 2.5% for burglary, 5.8% for other theft, 1.5% for vehicle crime, 1.4% for bicycle theft, 0.7% for theft from the person, 0.7% for robbery, and 7.2% for criminal damage and arson. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures is crucial for assessing personal and property security measures.

Crime Trends in Exeter

Exeter has experienced an increasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a 12.1% rise year-over-year. Analysing the monthly trend data provides further insight into these patterns. In late 2024, crime rates per 1,000 residents were 9.9 in October, dipping to 8.2 in November and then rising slightly to 8.8 in December. The early months of 2025 saw rates at 8.4 in January and 8.2 in February, representing some of the lower points in the 12-month period. However, a noticeable increase began in March 2025, reaching 9.5, and continued to climb to a peak of 11.5 in May 2025. Following this peak, the rates saw a slight decrease in June (10.8), July (10.4), and August (9.4), stabilising at 9.4 in September 2025. This trend suggests a period of elevated crime activity mid-year, with a slight moderation towards the end of the reporting period. For residents, this upward trajectory indicates the importance of staying vigilant and considering proactive security measures.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Exeter's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. Exeter's overall crime rate of 114.5 per 1,000 is higher than that of more rural districts such as Teignbridge, Mid Devon, and West Devon, which typically exhibit lower crime figures. East Devon, another neighbouring district, generally presents a comparable, though often slightly lower, crime profile. In contrast, urban centres like Torbay may show higher crime rates due to their differing demographics and economic activities, offering a point of comparison for urban challenges. Somerset, a broader county-level comparison, encompasses a diverse range of areas, making direct comparison more complex but generally showing a varied crime landscape. Understanding these regional differences helps residents contextualise Exeter's specific crime challenges and safety score within the wider South West region.

Protecting Your Property in Exeter

Given Exeter's property crime rate of 40.2 per 1,000 residents, considering robust home security is a sensible step for homeowners. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras or DIY alarms, often record incidents after they occur, providing footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. While such systems have their place, a proactive approach to security can significantly enhance your property's protection.

Modern AI-powered security operating systems, like scOS, focus on preventing crime before it happens. These advanced systems detect threats at your property boundary, rather than after a break-in has occurred. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. The autonomous response capabilities, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aim to destroy the element of surprise, often causing potential intruders to move on within seconds. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for burglars – they move on, seeking an easier target. Opting for professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, offering a significant deterrent compared to reactive recording solutions.