Monthly Crime Statistics

Exeter Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in May 2023 was 5.0 per 1,000 residents, 37.5% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour rose sharply by 25.3% compared to April.

692
Total Crimes
5
Per 1,000 People
8
UK Average
-21.1%
vs Previous Month

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Exeter's crime rate in May 2023 was 5.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 37.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance highlights the city's consistent safety record, though the breakdown of crime types reveals nuanced patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 33.0% and criminal damage and arson at 6.4%. These figures align with Exeter's character as a mid-sized city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where higher foot traffic and community events may contribute to both violence and anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely plays a role in the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, though these remain significantly lower than national averages. Meanwhile, property crime rates, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, were also well below UK averages, suggesting effective policing strategies and community initiatives in these areas. The city's lower-than-average rates for theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) may reflect a combination of environmental design, such as secure parking and well-lit public spaces, and targeted prevention efforts. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour and other crimes indicates a need for continued vigilance and adaptive strategies to address emerging challenges. Exeter's performance in May 2023 demonstrates that while the city maintains a strong safety profile overall, specific areas of concern require focused attention to ensure sustained improvements.

May 2023 saw a 25.3% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 182 to 228 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average for the category, suggests a shift in local dynamics that may be linked to extended evening hours and seasonal socialising patterns. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 71.4% (from 7 to 2 cases), a drop that could reflect heightened awareness or improved security measures in high-risk areas. Other crime also rose sharply, with a 50.0% increase from 10 to 15 incidents, highlighting an emerging trend that deserves closer attention. Exeter's violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is 32% below the UK average for the category, a contrast that may be partly explained by the city's relatively stable community structures and lower population density compared to major urban centres.

Exeter's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 21.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.3 per 1,000. This decline positions the city as safer relative to its own recent trends. below the UK average. On a daily basis, Exeter recorded an average of 22 crimes per day in May, a figure that reflects the area's consistent low-crime profile. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 200 residents over the course of the month. This statistic provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents, placing Exeter's safety record in stark contrast to the UK's broader context. The city's lower-than-average rates for violent crimes and property offences, combined with its population size, suggest a combination of effective policing, community engagement, and environmental factors that may contribute to its relative safety.

Crime Breakdown - May 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences2581.937.3%
Anti-social behaviour2281.733%
Criminal damage and arson440.36.4%
Shoplifting330.24.8%
Public order300.24.3%
Vehicle crime230.23.3%
Other theft210.23%
Drugs170.12.5%
Other crime150.12.2%
Possession of weapons90.11.3%
Burglary70.11%
Bicycle theft500.7%
Theft from the person200.3%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Exeter

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 8 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month