Exeter Crime Rate

Exeter's crime profile reveals a striking anomaly: bicycle theft rates are 140% above the UK average, with 1.9 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 0.8. Despite this, overall crime remains stable at 112.7 per 1,000 — 23.9% above the UK average. The city's safety score of 74/100 (5 points below the UK average) highlights a combination of urban dynamics and targeted crime trends.

Exeter's unique blend of historic architecture, a major university, and a bustling retail core shapes its crime profile. The university's 25,000+ students likely drives shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in central areas, while the city's compact layout facilitates bicycle theft. Unlike rural Exeter (116.7 per 1,000), the urban core experiences higher property crime rates due to dense population and commercial activity. Exeter's historic districts, with their narrow streets and older housing stock, may contribute to higher burglary rates compared to newer developments.

The most alarming finding is bicycle theft, which is 2.4 times the UK average (1.9 vs 0.8 per 1,000). This surge likely reflects Exeter's status as a university city with high student populations and a compact urban layout that facilitates bike theft. Shoplifting, at 13.7 per 1,000 (82% above UK average), remains elevated despite a 16% YoY decline, possibly due to ongoing retail security measures. Violence and sexual offences (43.2 per 1,000) are 38.4% of all crimes, likely driven by Exeter's vibrant nightlife and student culture. Burglary rates (2.9 per 1,000) are 13% below the UK average, suggesting improved home security in residential areas.

Crime in Exeter has shown a stable 1.8% YoY increase, with monthly peaks in May 2025 (11.5 per 1,000). Bicycle theft has surged by 61.2% YoY, likely tied to increased student mobility and unsecured bike storage in university areas. This sharp rise contrasts with declining rates in shoplifting (-15.7%) and theft from the person (-14.1%), which may reflect improved retail security and reduced pedestrian crime in central areas.

Exeter's crime rate (112.7 per 1,000) is 136% higher than East Devon (47.8) and 148% higher than West Devon (45.4), reflecting its urban density compared to rural neighbours. Torbay (107.3 per 1,000) is the closest comparator, with Exeter only 5% higher. Topsham, a safer sub-area within Exeter, has a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 — 196% lower than the city average — likely due to its coastal, low-density character.

For Exeter households, scOS's proactive boundary detection is critical given the 140% above-average bicycle theft rate (1.9 per 1,000). Its AI evaluates real-time activity near your property, distinguishing legitimate visitors from potential threats. DVLA vehicle verification helps identify stolen or cloned plates near your home, a feature particularly relevant for Exeter's 52% below-average vehicle crime rate (2.2 vs 4.6 per 1,000). The system's autonomous lighting and speaker activation can deter intruders, offering a proactive solution to Exeter's elevated property crime risks.

How To Keep Safe in Exeter

For bicycle theft, secure bikes with high-quality locks and use tracking devices — Exeter's rate of 1.9 per 1,000 is more than double the UK average. In retail areas, be vigilant about shoplifting risks (13.7 per 1,000), as anti-social behaviour (18.6 per 1,000) is also rising. Avoid leaving bikes unattended near university campuses, and consider using secure bike storage facilities. For property crime, ensure windows and doors are reinforced, as burglary rates are 13% below the UK average but still require attention.