Exeter Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's overall crime rate in November 2023 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 30.7% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistently lower crime profile than the national benchmark, a trend observed across multiple categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of crimes (31.5%), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.4%) and shoplifting (15.6%). The seasonal context of November—marked by shorter days, Bonfire Night, and the Black Friday shopping period—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the prevalence of violence and sexual offences may be partially explained by increased social interactions during festive events. Conversely, the lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as burglary (71% below UK average) and vehicle crime (80% below) suggest effective local measures or environmental factors, such as Exeter’s mixed urban-rural character, which may dilute opportunities for certain types of crime. The city’s relatively low burglary rate could also be attributed to its historic architecture and community policing initiatives. Anti-social behaviour, while a significant local concern, remains 14% above the UK average, highlighting areas for targeted intervention.

November 2023 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft fell by 66.7% (from 18 to 6 cases), a steep decline that may reflect reduced cycling during colder, darker evenings. This drop aligns with seasonal patterns observed in other UK cities, where shorter daylight hours deter outdoor activity. Conversely, shoplifting increased by 40.5% (79 to 111 cases), likely driven by the Black Friday retail rush, which often correlates with spikes in theft from shops. Burglary also rose by 54.5% (from 11 to 17 cases), a trend that may be linked to increased home occupancy during the holiday season or vulnerabilities in certain neighbourhoods. Anti-social behaviour remained 14% above the UK average, though its rate (1.2 per 1,000) was lower than the national figure for the same category (1.1 per 1,000). This discrepancy could indicate local challenges in managing public spaces, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Exeter’s shoplifting rate (0.8 per 1,000) was 45% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect the city’s retail density, including its historic High Street and university-linked commercial zones.

Exeter’s crime rate in November 2023 (5.2 per 1,000) represented a 7.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000, indicating a slight upward trend in reported crimes. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the continuous presence of criminal activity in urban settings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 194 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in most categories but not universally so. This statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, though it does not account for unreported crimes or variations in reporting practices. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Exeter’s crime profile is relatively benign compared to larger UK cities, yet localised challenges persist. For instance, the 14% above-average rate for anti-social behaviour suggests that certain areas or demographics may require additional focus. These comparisons contextualise Exeter’s performance within the broader UK framework, offering insights into both successes and areas for improvement.