Exeter Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 presented a mixed picture for Exeter's crime profile, with the overall crime rate at 8.5 per 1,000 residents—10.4% above the UK average. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (34.6% of all incidents), anti-social behaviour (19.9%), and shoplifting (12.3%), reflecting the city's urban character and tourist activity. Seasonal factors, including the Easter period and increased outdoor activity during spring, likely contributed to fluctuations in certain categories. For instance, anti-social behaviour may have risen due to higher foot traffic and events around the Easter weekend, while shoplifting could have been driven by retail promotions. In contrast, burglary remained lower than the UK average, due to Exeter's compact urban layout and community-focused policing efforts. The data also highlights a significant disparity in crime types: while violence and disorder were elevated, vehicle crime and robbery were well below national levels, consistent with Exeter's relatively low car ownership and high levels of pedestrian activity. This suggests that the city's unique demographic—blending students, tourists, and residents—shapes crime patterns in ways distinct from larger metropolitan areas. The seasonal context of April, with its mix of Easter-related events and milder weather, likely influenced both the frequency and nature of incidents, though the month-on-month decline from March indicates potential stabilisation in some areas.

April 2024 saw a stark rise in theft from the person, with incidents increasing by 62.5% (8 to 13), a shift that may reflect heightened vulnerability during Easter-related foot traffic. Simultaneously, shoplifting rose by 10.8% (130 to 144), potentially linked to seasonal retail activity. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 32.8% (134 to 90), due to warmer weather reducing opportunities for arson or increased community vigilance. Exeter's violent crime rate (2.9 per 1,000) was 13% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.7 per 1,000) was 39% above, both figures pointing to persistent challenges in managing public order. Burglary, however, was 38% below the UK average (0.2 vs 0.3 per 1,000), suggesting effective security measures or demographic factors in residential areas. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal and local dynamics in shaping crime patterns.

Exeter's crime rate in April 2024 (8.5 per 1,000 residents) marked an 11.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.6 per 1,000, reflecting a short-term decline. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns, as spring weather and Easter-related activities may have influenced public behaviour. On a daily basis, 39 crimes were reported in Exeter over the 30-day period, illustrating a consistent pace of incidents despite the overall drop. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-118 residents highlights the frequency of crime in the area. While Exeter's rate remains 10.4% above the UK average, the decline from March suggests localized factors—such as community initiatives or seasonal shifts—are potentially contributing to the trend. The population context further underscores that, despite the higher rate, the absolute number of crimes per resident remains within a range consistent with similar urban centres.