Exeter Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

March 2023 marked a period of relative stability for Exeter’s crime rate, which stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents—14.5% below the UK average. The most striking finding was the unexpected rise in anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 21% of all reported crimes and was 35% above the UK average. This contrasts with a sharp decline in vehicle crime, which fell to 0.2 per 1,000 residents, 58% below the national average. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, comprising 36.4% of total crimes, but at a rate (2.4 per 1,000) 12% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives may have tempered the usual seasonal spike in violent crime. The transition to spring, with evenings lengthening after the clocks changed, likely contributed to shifts in activity patterns, particularly in areas where nightlife and public spaces are prominent. This dynamic aligns with Exeter’s character as a university city and tourist hub, where anti-social behaviour often spikes during term time and peak visitor seasons. Meanwhile, the low rates of burglary and vehicle crime could be attributed to the city’s compact layout and the presence of security measures in commercial and residential areas. These trends highlight the importance of context-specific policing and community engagement, particularly in addressing the unexpected rise in anti-social behaviour.

March 2023 saw a notable divergence in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour accounting for 21% of all reported incidents—35% above the UK average. This surge, while not unprecedented, contrasts sharply with the 58% reduction in vehicle crime, which fell to 0.2 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK rate of 0.5. The category of violent crime also stood out: despite violence and sexual offences making up 36.4% of total crimes, the rate (2.4 per 1,000) was 12% below the UK average. This suggests a combination of local factors and broader trends, with public order offences (38% below the UK average) and burglary (70% below) further illustrating the city’s lower-than-average risk in certain areas. Residents may find the stark contrast between anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime particularly noteworthy, as it highlights both vulnerabilities and successes in local policing strategies.

Exeter's crime rate in March 2023 remained 14.5% below the UK average, with 6.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure to crime for local residents. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 29 crimes reported each day, a rate that, while consistent with Exeter’s historical patterns, contrasts with national averages. The population context further highlights the scale: with 138,399 residents, the city’s crime profile reflects a balance between urban activity and proactive policing. This comparison underscores that while Exeter is generally safer than the UK average, specific categories like anti-social behaviour remain elevated, suggesting targeted interventions may be necessary. The daily figure, while informative, does not account for fluctuations in reporting or seasonal variations, which are better addressed in the highlights section.