Exeter Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a significant escalation in crime across Exeter, with the overall rate reaching 8.0 per 1,000 residents — 11.1% above the UK average of 7.2. This surge was driven by a sharp rise in violent crimes, which accounted for 40.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and criminal damage and arson (10.7%). The seasonal context of December — with its long nights, Christmas shopping peaks, and party season — likely contributed to these patterns, as darker evenings and increased social activity can heighten opportunities for crime. Violence and sexual offences, in particular, saw a 100.4% increase compared to November, reaching 451 incidents. This aligns with broader UK trends where festive periods often see spikes in alcohol-fuelled violence. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with a 51% increase over the UK average, possibly linked to the city's vibrant nightlife and student population. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively stable, though shoplifting and drugs-related offences saw notable rises. The data suggests that Exeter's urban character, with its mix of historic sites, retail hubs, and student accommodations, creates a complex environment where both targeted and opportunistic crimes can thrive. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic or during late-night events.

December 2023 saw a dramatic surge in violence and sexual offences, jumping 100.4% to 451 incidents — a rate of 3.3 per 1,000, 26% above the UK average. This spike was accompanied by a 145.8% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 48 to 118 cases, which may reflect the impact of dark evenings and holiday-related disturbances. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 10.8% to 99 incidents, though this remains 43% above the UK average. The drugs category also saw a sharp 143.8% increase, from 16 to 39 cases, suggesting heightened activity in areas with nightlife or transient populations. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, where the combination of festive events and extended hours may contribute to these trends.

Exeter's crime rate in December 2023 rose sharply from 5.2 to 8.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 55.2% increase compared to November. This shift places the city's monthly exposure at a rate of one reported crime for every 125 residents, a figure that underscores the heightened activity during the festive period. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 36 crimes per day across Exeter, a local metric that does not directly compare to national averages but highlights the urgency for local awareness. When viewed through the lens of population density, the rate suggests that residents are more likely to encounter crime than in previous months, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during extended holiday periods. This uptick may be influenced by seasonal factors such as increased alcohol consumption and the influx of transient populations during the Christmas season.