Exeter Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Exeter, the crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 in January 2026 translates to a daily risk that, while not overwhelming, is higher than the UK average. This rate places the city 22.1% above the national figure, a disparity that may be influenced by Exeter’s status as a major urban centre with a mix of historic and modern infrastructure. The most common crimes reported in the month were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 44.8% of all incidents—a proportion significantly higher than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This suggests that personal safety remains a pressing concern, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or where nightlife activity extends into the early hours. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also featured prominently, both exceeding UK averages by 3% and 46% respectively. These trends align with seasonal patterns typical of January, a time of year marked by reduced daylight, colder temperatures, and a post-holiday lull in retail activity. While the latter may explain lower rates of outdoor crimes such as shoplifting, it does not fully account for the sharp rise in violent incidents. The city’s historical and cultural character, coupled with its role as a regional hub, likely contributes to a combination of factors that shape its crime profile. For instance, the presence of a university and associated student population may influence patterns of theft and anti-social behaviour, though such connections remain speculative without direct data. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas where violent crimes are concentrated, and to take advantage of local initiatives aimed at improving public safety.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, most robbery, which surged by 200% compared to the previous month. This jump, from 4 to 12 incidents, may reflect heightened vulnerability during the post-holiday period, when retail activity wanes and public spaces see reduced footfall. Burglary also rose by 116.7%, climbing from 24 to 52 cases—a trend that could be linked to colder weather driving more indoor activity and potential targeting of homes. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 25.6%, likely tied to fewer cars on the road during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Violent crimes remain 48% above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage both showing significant deviations from national norms. These shifts highlight the need for targeted policing strategies in areas prone to these specific offences.

Exeter's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 3.4% compared to December 2025, increasing from 8.0 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though modest, suggests a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, 37 crimes were reported across the city—a figure that, while not extreme, reflects a persistent level of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 121 residents, a statistic that translates to a tangible risk for those living or working in the area. When scaled to the city’s population of 138,399, this rate underscores that crime is not an isolated incident but a recurring concern. The increase in violent crimes, which now sit 48% above the UK average, adds particular weight to this analysis, indicating that Exeter’s residents may face a higher-than-average exposure to personal safety risks compared to other parts of the country.