Exeter Crime Rate

Exeter’s crime statistics, based on data collected from February 2025 to January 2026, reveal a crime rate of 112.5 per 1,000 residents, which is 23.3% higher than the UK average of 91.2. While the overall trend has remained stable at 0.7% year-on-year, certain crime categories have seen notable fluctuations. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for nearly 40% of all recorded crimes. Understanding these trends and specific crime types is crucial for residents and visitors alike to assess safety and implement preventative measures. This analysis aims to provide a factual overview of Exeter’s crime landscape and offer insights into potential safety concerns.

Exeter, a historic cathedral city in Devon, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant mix of residential areas, from bustling city centre apartments to leafy suburban neighbourhoods and picturesque rural villages. The city’s population of 138,399 is comprised of a diverse demographic, with a significant student population contributing to its lively atmosphere. The presence of Exeter University, alongside various businesses and industries, influences the local economy and social dynamics. Factors such as the density of the population in certain areas, the prevalence of student accommodation, and the proximity to transport links can all contribute to the overall crime landscape within Exeter. Understanding these underlying conditions is crucial for interpreting the available crime statistics and developing effective safety measures.

While Exeter's overall crime rate is above the UK average, a closer look at the specific crime categories reveals a more nuanced picture. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of recorded crimes, with 5937 incidents reported – 38.1% of all crimes – significantly higher than the UK average of 33%. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind, totaling 2604 crimes, representing 16.7% of all incidents and 27% above the national figure. Shoplifting is also a notable concern, with 1991 crimes recorded, a substantial 89% above the UK average. Property crimes, in total, represent 37.1 per 1,000 residents. While burglary shows a slight increase, other theft categories are declining. The prevalence of these three crime types underscores the need for targeted preventative measures and community engagement to address the root causes and mitigate their impact.

Exeter's crime rate has remained relatively stable year-over-year, showing a marginal increase of 0.7%. While this represents a small uptick, it doesn't indicate a significant shift in overall crime levels. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations; for example, a slight dip in reported incidents was observed in January, followed by a modest rise in March. However, these variations are within typical seasonal patterns and don't point to a clear upward or downward trend. The top reported crimes – violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting – have remained consistent contributors to the overall crime figures. Continuous monitoring of specific crime categories, particularly violence and sexual offences which represent a significant proportion of reported incidents, will be crucial to understanding any potential shifts in criminal activity within Exeter. Further investigation into the root causes of anti-social behaviour would also be beneficial for targeted preventative measures.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Exeter's crime rate is higher than Mid Devon (59.6 per 1,000), East Devon (47.8 per 1,000), and West Devon (45.2 per 1,000), but lower than Torbay (107.4 per 1,000). This highlights that while Exeter faces a greater crime challenge than some surrounding areas, it is not the most concerning within the region. Somerset has a crime rate of 87.7 per 1,000, also lower than Exeter.

Traditional CCTV systems often only record events after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats is another. Consider a proactive security solution like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that detects potential threats at the property boundary using multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning. Unlike standard systems that simply alert you after a break-in, scOS's DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous response capabilities can deter criminals before they even attempt entry, offering a layer of protection that traditional systems simply can’t provide. The element of surprise is destroyed, and often, the potential burglar moves on.

How To Keep Safe in Exeter

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Due to the rising bicycle theft, always secure your bicycle with a high-quality lock and consider storing it in a secure location. Finally, be vigilant against shoplifting, particularly in busy areas, and report any suspicious behaviour to store staff.