Exeter Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.9% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy highlights a distinct profile for the city compared to the national picture, where violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.1% of all crimes reported, with 506 incidents recorded—3.7 per 1,000 residents, 30% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.4% of total crimes, while shoplifting, though a smaller proportion (12.0%), was 87% above the UK average. These patterns align with Exeter's character as a historic city with a vibrant retail and nightlife scene, where high foot traffic and social activity may partly explain elevated rates of violent and property-related offences. Seasonal factors in May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the higher-than-usual frequency of incidents, particularly in areas with concentrated commercial or entertainment hubs. The city's crime mix contrasts sharply with the UK average, where property crimes typically outweigh violent crimes. Exeter's data suggests a more pronounced presence of violent and disorderly conduct, possibly linked to its status as a regional hub for education and tourism. This context underscores the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention that address both the unique demographic pressures and the seasonal rhythms shaping the city's security challenges.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 83.3% (from 18 to 33 incidents), likely reflecting increased traffic during the month. Burglary also rose sharply by 52.4% (from 21 to 32), while robbery increased by 50.0% (from 6 to 9), suggesting potential vulnerabilities in residential or commercial areas. In contrast, bicycle theft declined by 38.9% (from 18 to 11), possibly due to seasonal shifts in cycling activity or enhanced security measures. Theft from the person also fell by 30.8% (from 13 to 9), indicating a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during evenings. These changes highlight a dynamic interplay between seasonal factors and local conditions: while violence and anti-social behaviour remained elevated, the drop in property-related crimes like bicycle theft and theft from the person offers a counterpoint. The city's performance in categories like criminal damage and arson (3% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below UK average) suggests areas where Exeter's crime profile diverges from national trends. Residents might find the sharp rise in vehicle crime particularly concerning, as it could signal increased vulnerability in parking areas or transport hubs. This contrast between rising violent crimes and declining property crimes illustrates the complexity of Exeter's current crime profile.

Exeter's crime rate in May 2024 (9.9 per 1,000) represented a 16.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.5 per 1,000, indicating a marked upward trend over a short period. On a daily basis, the city experienced an average of 44 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally contextualised, provides a tangible sense of the pace of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 102 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to national figures, offers insight into the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This rate is particularly noteworthy given Exeter's population of 138,399, where the interplay between urban density and community resources may influence both crime prevention and response. While the overall rate exceeds the UK average, some categories—such as criminal damage and arson (3% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below UK average)—suggest that Exeter's challenges are not uniformly aligned with national patterns. This divergence underscores the importance of considering local factors, such as the city's historical infrastructure and current economic activities, in understanding its unique crime dynamics. For residents, the 16.2% monthly increase serves as a clear indicator of the need for ongoing vigilance and community engagement in addressing emerging security concerns.