Exeter Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.9% above the UK average of 7.1. This marked the highest rate recorded for the district in over a year, with violent crime dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.6%, and shoplifting at 13.4%. These figures contrast sharply with the UK averages for these categories, which were 2.6 per 1,000 for violence, 0.9 per 1,000 for anti-social behaviour, and 0.6 per 1,000 for shoplifting. The seasonal context of December—characterised by long evenings, festive shopping, and the holiday season—likely contributed to the elevated rates. The combination of empty homes during the Christmas break, increased foot traffic in retail areas, and heightened alcohol consumption in nightlife districts may have created conditions conducive to both violent and property crimes. The rate of violence in Exeter was 33% above the UK average, a disparity consistent with the city's status as a major urban centre with a significant student population and a bustling commercial core. The spike in anti-social behaviour, which was 60% above the UK average, may be linked to the increased social activity during the festive period, particularly in areas with high concentrations of university students and tourists.

December 2024 saw several alarming month-on-month increases in specific crime categories, with robbery rising by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents) and vehicle crime surging by 71.4% (from 14 to 24). These jumps, combined with a 33.3% increase in burglary (from 24 to 32), highlight a troubling trend in property-related crimes. While shoplifting decreased by 19.7% (from 203 to 163), this decline was offset by the sharp rise in violent crime, which accounted for 39% of all incidents. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Exeter was 33% above the UK average, with 3.4 per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK average by 60%, reaching 1.5 per 1,000 residents. In contrast, burglary and vehicle crime were below the UK average, with burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 (35% below the national rate of 0.3) and vehicle crime at 0.2 per 1,000 (50% below the UK average of 0.4). Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, such as the city centre, where the combination of festive events and increased retail activity may create opportunities for opportunistic crime. The significant rise in robbery, which now accounts for 0.4% of all crimes, underscores the need for heightened awareness in public spaces during the holiday season.

Exeter's December 2024 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 6.4% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.2, reflecting a sustained upward trend. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 39 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 114 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is a critical metric for residents, as it illustrates the frequency of crime in relation to the local population. When compared to the UK average, Exeter's overall crime rate remains higher, but the city's performance varies significantly across different crime categories. For instance, while violence and sexual offences are 33% above the UK average, burglary and vehicle crime are 35% and 50% below the national rates, respectively. This disparity suggests that Exeter's crime profile is shaped by its unique characteristics, including its status as a major urban centre with a high concentration of students and commercial activity. The lower rates of vehicle crime may be attributable to the city's well-developed public transport system and the presence of secure parking facilities in key areas. However, the higher rates of violent and anti-social crimes highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk neighbourhoods. Understanding these comparative figures provides residents with a clearer picture of the local crime profile and helps contextualise the challenges faced by the city's law enforcement agencies.