Exeter Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in November 2025 stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.4% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the city, which has historically maintained crime rates above the national average due to its status as a major urban centre with a mix of tourist attractions, academic institutions, and retail hubs. The breakdown of crimes highlights a dominance of violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 42.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.3%) and shoplifting (9.2%). These patterns align with Exeter's character as a city with a significant student population, a vibrant nightlife, and a high concentration of commercial activity. The seasonal context of November—marked by shorter days, Bonfire Night events, and the pre-Christmas shopping rush—may have contributed to increased tensions and opportunistic crimes. While violent crime remains a pressing concern, the data also reveals some positive trends: vehicle crime, for example, was 75% below the UK average, likely reflecting the city's robust street lighting infrastructure and police presence in key areas. The interplay between local demographics, seasonal factors, and urban dynamics continues to shape Exeter's crime profile, requiring targeted strategies to address the most pressing issues while building on areas of relative success.

November 2025 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Shoplifting increased by 50% compared to October, rising from 72 to 108 incidents. This surge may be linked to the Black Friday shopping period, which typically sees a spike in retail-related crimes. Concurrently, drug-related offences rose by 30.8%, a trend that could be influenced by seasonal changes in illicit activity patterns. However, some categories showed marked declines: vehicle crime dropped by 33.3% (21 to 14 incidents), and other crime fell by 34.6% (26 to 17 incidents). These decreases may reflect the effectiveness of local initiatives targeting vehicle theft and community-based crime prevention efforts. The city's performance against the UK average also reveals stark contrasts: violence and sexual offences were 40% above the national rate, while burglary was 33% below. This divergence underscores the need for tailored interventions, particularly in addressing violent crime, which remains a critical concern for residents. The data also highlights a paradox: bicycle theft, at 233% above the UK average, suggests vulnerabilities in securing personal property, despite overall improvements in other areas. These findings present both challenges and opportunities for Exeter's authorities to refine their approach to public safety.

Exeter's crime rate in November 2025 remained stable compared to the previous month, decreasing by just 1.4% from 8.6 to 8.5 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation indicates a consistent level of criminal activity, though the city's overall rate remains higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, Exeter recorded approximately 39 crimes per day in November, a figure that provides residents with a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents in their local area. When scaled to the population of 138,399 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 118 residents—a statistic that, while not alarmingly high, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance. This monthly aggregate offers a broader perspective than daily figures, which can sometimes be skewed by short-term spikes. Exeter's position as a city with a blend of urban and suburban characteristics means that crime patterns may differ from more densely populated or rural areas. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to the UK average suggest that certain local measures, such as CCTV coverage or community policing efforts, may be contributing to these outcomes. However, the city's above-average rates in violent crime and anti-social behaviour indicate that targeted strategies are required to address these specific challenges, ensuring that the overall crime picture continues to improve in line with national trends.