Exeter Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2025, Exeter recorded 1,136 crimes, translating to 8.2 crimes per 1,000 residents—22.4% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This rate reflects a city grappling with persistent crime challenges, particularly in violent offences and retail-related crimes. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 37.9% of all incidents (431 cases), far exceeding the UK average for this category. Shoplifting (17.3% of total crimes, 197 incidents) was 126% above the national rate, likely driven by Exeter's bustling high streets and tourist attractions. Anti-social behaviour (15.0% of total crimes, 170 cases) also showed a 24% gap compared to UK averages, possibly linked to the city's dense population and historic urban fabric. Seasonal factors may have influenced these trends, with February's winter conditions and pre-spring lull reducing outdoor crime but not addressing deeper systemic issues. The city's mix of residential, commercial, and academic spaces—home to the University of Exeter—likely contributes to the high volume of violent and property crimes, with students and tourists forming a significant part of the population. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown shows that targeted interventions in retail zones and public spaces could help address the most pressing concerns.

February 2025 saw notable fluctuations in crime patterns, with robbery incidents rising by 22.2% (9 to 11) and violence and sexual offences increasing by 9.1% (395 to 431). These rises may partly explain the 32% gap between Exeter's violent crime rate (3.1 per 1,000) and the UK average (2.4 per 1,000). Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 53.3% (15 to 7), likely reflecting reduced outdoor activity during the winter months. Shoplifting remained a significant concern, with 197 incidents—126% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded expectations, at 24% above the national rate. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 30.4% (23 to 16), possibly linked to shorter daylight hours deterring opportunistic theft. The contrast between rising violent crime and falling property crime suggests shifting dynamics in the city's crime profile, with public safety initiatives impacting specific categories.

Exeter's crime rate in February 2025 fell slightly to 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a 2.5% decrease from the previous month's 8.4 rate. This small decline contrasts with the overall 22.4% above the UK average, highlighting the area's persistent challenges. Daily crime activity averaged 41 incidents per day, a figure that underscores the constant presence of criminal activity in a city of 138,399 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the density of population and urban infrastructure. While the slight month-on-month reduction may hint at temporary factors, such as seasonal lulls or localized efforts, the broader context remains that Exeter's crime profile continues to deviate from the UK norm. The population-scaled perspective shows that even minor fluctuations are amplified in a relatively compact urban area with a mix of historic and modern environments.