Exeter Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Exeter recorded a crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.8% above the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This figure translates to a daily risk of encountering crime for roughly one in every 121 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.2%) and criminal damage and arson (8.7%). These patterns align with Exeter's character as a major urban centre with a historic core, vibrant student population, and mix of commercial and residential areas. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the elevated rates of violent crime and property damage. While overall crime remains above the UK average, the breakdown reveals a combination of local factors: the high rate of violence may reflect the concentration of nightlife venues in certain areas, while the sharp increase in burglary could be linked to seasonal vulnerabilities in housing stock. The lower-than-average rates of vehicle crime and drug-related offences, however, suggest that Exeter's infrastructure and community policing efforts may be mitigating some risks typically associated with urban centres.

January 2026 saw sharp month-on-month increases in several crime categories, with robbery jumping 200% (from 4 to 12 incidents) and burglary rising 116.7% (from 24 to 52). These spikes contrast with declines in vehicle crime (-25.6%) and other crime (-28.6%), which fell below UK averages. The dominance of violent crime—particularly violence and sexual offences at 3.7 per 1,000 (52% above the UK average)—highlights a stark divergence from the national profile, where such offences typically account for a smaller share of total crime. This imbalance may reflect Exeter's unique demographics, including its student population and proximity to major transport hubs. Bicycle theft in Exeter reached 0.1 per 1,000 (150% above the UK average), a figure that could concern residents relying on cycling for commuting. Meanwhile, the 43% below-average rate for vehicle crime suggests that Exeter's urban planning, including secure parking provisions, may be effective in deterring such offences. These shifts underscore the importance of targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly for violent crime and burglary, which saw the most significant increases.

Exeter's crime rate in January 2026 rose 3.4% compared to the previous month, moving from 8.0 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, translates to 37 crimes reported daily—an average of one crime for every 121 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the UK average, Exeter's profile is strikingly different: while the national average for violence and sexual offences is 2.4 per 1,000, Exeter's rate of 3.7 per 1,000 suggests a higher risk in this category. This disparity may be linked to Exeter's status as a university city, where alcohol-related incidents and late-night activity in certain areas could contribute to higher rates of violent crime. Conversely, Exeter's below-average rates for vehicle crime (0.2 vs UK 0.4 per 1,000) and drug-related offences (0.2 vs UK 0.3 per 1,000) indicate that local policies or environmental factors may be curbing these risks. For residents, the daily crime count of 37 serves as a tangible reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or transient populations. These figures also highlight the importance of targeted policing in violent crime hotspots, where Exeter's rates are significantly above the national average.