Exeter Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Exeter's crime profile in September 2025 reveals a striking imbalance between property and violent crimes, with the latter dominating the overall rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure, 27% above the UK average of 7.4, underscores the city's distinct challenges compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.4%) and shoplifting (12.1%). This concentration of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 36% of all crimes, suggesting Exeter faces a particularly acute challenge in this area. Seasonal factors may contribute to these patterns: the start of the academic term in September likely increases foot traffic in retail and nightlife areas, creating opportunities for both shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The city's status as a major urban centre with a significant student population further amplifies these dynamics, as university campuses and surrounding areas often experience heightened social activity and associated risks. While property crimes remain a concern, their proportion (32.8% of total incidents) is lower than the UK average, where property crime typically accounts for around 35% of all reports. This suggests that Exeter's crime profile is shaped by its unique demographic and geographic characteristics, with a stronger emphasis on violent and disorderly offences compared to the national picture. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of anti-social behaviour, which is 54% above the UK average, and in addressing the surge in bicycle theft, which is 186% above the national rate. These trends must be contextualised within the broader framework of Exeter's urban environment, where the interplay between residential, commercial, and educational zones likely influences crime patterns in complex ways.

September 2025 saw a dramatic 121.4% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 14 to 31 incidents. This sharp rise may partly explain the overall crime profile, as the city's university population and cycling infrastructure create conditions conducive to such offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 26.8% to 156 incidents, likely influenced by the start of the academic term and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Burglary also increased by 38.1%, though this remains below the UK average for the category. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 35.0% to 13 incidents, potentially linked to reduced summer-related activity. Public order offences declined by 33.0%, a drop that contrasts with the 54% above UK average rate for anti-social behaviour. These shifts highlight the dynamic interplay between seasonal factors and local crime patterns.

Exeter's crime rate remained stable at 9.4 per 1,000 residents in September 2025, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no immediate spikes or dips in overall criminal activity, though the rate remains 27% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 43 reported crimes, a figure that reflects the density of population and the mix of urban and semi-rural areas within the district. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 107 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. While the rate has not shifted significantly compared to August, the continued gap from the UK average underscores the need for targeted local initiatives to address persistent trends in specific crime categories.