Exeter Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's December 2025 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents places it 14.3% above the UK average of 7.0. This figure reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety, particularly as seasonal factors amplify certain crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 44.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.2%) and criminal damage and arson (7.6%). These figures align with Exeter's character as a historic city with a mix of urban density, university presence, and tourist activity. The spike in violent crime may partly explain the 36% increase over the UK average for this category, which is consistent with the heightened social interactions during the Christmas season. Anti-social behaviour, also significantly above the UK average, likely reflects the convergence of students, shoppers, and holiday crowds in high-traffic areas. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, empty homes during the holidays, and the peak of Christmas shopping—may contribute to a rise in opportunistic crimes. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (12% below UK average) suggests that retail security measures in Exeter's high streets may be effective, but the sharp increase in vehicle crime highlights vulnerabilities in parking areas and residential zones. This pattern underscores the need for targeted interventions during periods of heightened activity.

December 2025 saw a 207.1% increase in vehicle crime compared to November, with incidents rising from 14 to 43. This surge, which far outpaces the UK average for this category (19% below), points to a growing concern for car owners in Exeter, particularly in areas with high commuter traffic or residential parking. Concurrently, other crime increased by 64.7% (17 to 28), suggesting a broader uptick in non-specific criminal activity that may be linked to seasonal disruptions. In contrast, shoplifting dropped by 31.5% (108 to 74), a 12% reduction below the UK average. This decline could indicate improved retail security or a shift in criminal focus during the holiday season. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 (44.1% of total crimes), 36% above the UK average. This disparity highlights Exeter's unique challenges, as the city's mix of university students, tourists, and local residents may create conditions conducive to such crimes. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, where the combination of holiday events and late-night activity could increase exposure to violent incidents.

Exeter's December 2025 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 represents a 5.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.5, indicating a short-term decline in overall crime. However, this reduction does not fully offset the broader trend of being 14.3% above the UK average. On a daily basis, Exeter recorded an average of 36 crimes per day in December, a figure that may seem high to residents but reflects the city's population density and economic activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for individual risk. This ratio, while not directly comparable to UK-wide statistics, illustrates the local impact of crime on Exeter's community. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Exeter's crime profile is shaped by its role as a regional hub with a university, retail centres, and tourist attractions. These factors may contribute to higher rates of certain crimes, such as violence and anti-social behaviour, compared to more rural or less densely populated areas. While the overall rate has dipped from November, the persistent gap above the UK average underscores the need for sustained efforts to address underlying vulnerabilities.