Exeter Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, 11.7% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and national trends, with violence and sexual offences emerging as the most significant category—accounting for 42.3% of all reported crimes at 3.6 per 1,000, 35% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (1.5 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.8 per 1,000) also exceeded national benchmarks, suggesting persistent challenges in maintaining public order. These rates are consistent with Exeter's status as a major urban centre with a university population and coastal tourism infrastructure. The city's higher-than-average violent crime rates may be partially explained by its dense population and the presence of multiple higher education institutions, though the exact nature of these incidents remains unclear. Seasonal factors also appear to influence crime patterns, with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween likely contributing to increased anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting decreased by 53.8% compared to the previous month. The overall crime profile illustrates the challenges of balancing urban growth with effective community safety strategies, particularly as the city navigates the transition from summer to autumn.

October 2025 saw a stark 62.5% rise in 'Other crime' reports, with incidents increasing from 16 to 26. This category, which includes unclassified offences, rose sharply despite a 53.8% drop in shoplifting—possibly reflecting shifting criminal activity patterns. Meanwhile, public order offences surged by 45.9%, reaching 89 cases, a rate 13% above the UK average. This spike may relate to Halloween-related disturbances, though the exact nature of these incidents remains unspecified. Vehicle crime also increased by 61.5%, with 21 reported cases, despite the UK average for this category being 0.4 per 1,000. This contrast highlights local factors influencing vehicle-related crime, such as increased parking in residential areas during the month. Robbery cases fell by 43.8%, from 16 to 9, though this decrease may be temporary given the overall upward trend in violent crime.

Exeter's crime rate in October 2025 dropped by 8.1% compared to September 2025, falling from 9.4 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as shorter evenings and reduced Halloween-related activity may have contributed to lower public order incidents. Locally, 38 crimes were reported per day on average—equivalent to one crime for every 116 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure places Exeter in a moderate position relative to other UK cities, though the area's higher-than-average violent crime rates remain a concern. With a population of 138,399, the crime statistics reflect both the city's urban density and its historical character as a regional hub. The drop from September may also reflect the return of students to university campuses, reducing transient populations linked to anti-social behaviour.