Exeter Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 11.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 42% above the UK average of 8.1. This stark divergence from the national picture underscores the city's unique challenges in crime prevention. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.1% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (18.7%) and anti-social behaviour (16.9%). These figures reflect the complex dynamics of a major urban centre with a mix of residential, commercial, and academic environments. The high rate of violence and sexual offences may be partly explained by Exeter's status as a university city, where transient populations and late-night social activities can contribute to such incidents. Shoplifting's disproportionate rise—228% above the UK average—suggests pressures on retail security in the city's high streets and shopping areas, which are likely driven by both local and tourist footfall. Anti-social behaviour, another key concern, may be linked to the city's nightlife and public spaces, where enforcement challenges persist. Seasonal factors in May, including bank holidays and extended daylight hours, may have amplified these trends by encouraging more outdoor activity and socialising, which can increase opportunities for crime. While Exeter's overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, the breakdown of crime types offers a nuanced view of the city's specific vulnerabilities and the need for targeted interventions.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 100% increase in robbery cases, with 12 incidents reported compared to 6 in April. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which may contribute to heightened opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, burglary rose by 69%, jumping from 29 to 49 incidents, a trend consistent with the UK average for this category but significantly higher in Exeter. Theft from the person also increased by 57.1%, from 7 to 11 cases, reflecting patterns often linked to summer social activity. Conversely, the drugs category saw a 19.5% decline, dropping from 41 to 33 incidents, a rare dip that may indicate shifting local dynamics or enforcement efforts. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and specific crime types, with shoplifting remaining an outlier at 228% above the UK average. Residents may find the rise in burglary particularly concerning, given its direct impact on household security.

Exeter's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 11.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.9. This upward trend contrasts with the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, highlighting Exeter's continued divergence from national patterns. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 51 reported crimes per day, underscoring the persistent pace of incidents in the area. On a monthly basis, the data indicates that one crime occurred for every 87 residents, a figure that, while not uncommon in urban centres, demands attention given the local context. When scaled to Exeter's population of 138,399, this translates to a significant proportion of residents encountering crime within a short timeframe. The contrast with the UK's overall rate—where the average resident faces a crime roughly once every 124 days—further illustrates Exeter's elevated risk profile. This comparison is particularly relevant for residents and visitors, as it frames the local experience within a broader national benchmark.