Exeter Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of Exeter's size—home to 138,399 residents—February 2026 saw 1,169 crimes reported, translating to a crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 people. This figure places Exeter 32.8% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, highlighting a higher-than-average burden of crime in the area. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.2%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These patterns are consistent with Exeter's character as a historic urban centre with a significant student population, a bustling high street, and a mix of residential and commercial areas. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity, which may partly explain lower rates of certain crimes like vehicle theft or public order offences. The high proportion of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average—51% above—suggests potential challenges in addressing local issues such as late-night disturbances or alcohol-related incidents in the city's nightlife areas. Meanwhile, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson (74% above UK average) could reflect seasonal factors like colder weather increasing the appeal of indoor activities or the need for additional heating, though this remains speculative without further data.

February 2026 marked significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 75.0%, rising from 32 to 56 incidents—a stark increase that may reflect changes in parking patterns or vehicle security practices during the winter months. Bicycle theft also saw a 30.0% rise, from 20 to 26 incidents, a trend that aligns with Exeter's reputation as a cycling-friendly city but raises questions about the effectiveness of current anti-theft measures for bikes. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 63.6%, declining from 11 to 4 incidents, possibly due to reduced foot traffic in public spaces during colder weather. Other crime increased by 30.0%, from 20 to 26 incidents, a category that includes a range of unspecified offences and may reflect reporting changes or shifts in criminal activity. Exeter's rate of bicycle theft was 400% above the UK average, underscoring a unique local challenge. This stark contrast with the UK average—where bicycle theft is reported at 0.0 per 1,000—suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high bike usage, such as university campuses or central business districts. The decrease in robbery (25.0%) and burglary (9.6%) may indicate the success of recent police initiatives or seasonal lulls in property-related crime, though further analysis would be required to confirm these hypotheses.

Exeter's crime rate in February 2026 rose slightly to 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a 2.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.3 per 1,000. This small upward trend, while not dramatic, suggests that local crime pressures remain consistent despite any seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, the city experienced an average of 42 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than the per-1,000 statistic. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 118 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Exeter in the higher bracket of UK cities. Given Exeter's population of 138,399, this means that a significant portion of the community is affected by crime on a regular basis, even if individual incidents are not always widely publicized. Comparing these figures to the UK average highlights the city's distinct position: while the UK as a whole has a monthly exposure rate of roughly one crime per every 155 residents, Exeter's rate is higher. This disparity may reflect local factors such as the city's mix of urban density, student demographics, and historical landmarks that could influence crime dynamics. Residents may find the monthly exposure figure particularly useful when assessing personal risk or engaging with local policing initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates.