Rural Exeter Crime Rate

Rural Exeter has an overall crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 71/100, indicating that while the area is a safe place to live, it does experience more crime than many smaller towns. The crime trend in Rural Exeter is currently increasing, with a 14.5% rise year-over-year. For residents, the data shows that while violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common offences, property crime also occurs at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000, which is lower than the national average. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the statistics to help you understand the safety landscape of the Rural Exeter urban settlement.

Crime in Rural Exeter

In the urban settlement of Rural Exeter, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 49.8% of all recorded incidents (98 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 16.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.6%. Together, these three categories represent over three-quarters of the total crime in the area.

When examining property crime overall—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—Rural Exeter has a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.3. Specifically, there were 5 recorded burglaries and 3 vehicle crimes over the 12-month period. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while personal safety and anti-social behaviour are the primary focus of local statistics, property-related offences also occur at a rate that warrants standard security measures. The presence of shoplifting (2.5%) and possession of weapons (2.5%) suggests that a variety of criminal activities take place, although the absolute volume remains relatively low. Overall, Rural Exeter's property crime rate reflects its status as a less densely populated urban settlement.

Rural Exeter Crime Trends

Rural Exeter has seen a 14.5% increase in total crime year-over-year. This upward trend is a development that residents should be aware of. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows significant variation, with the highest crime rate occurring in July 2025 at 18.3 per 1,000 people, followed by September at 13.3 and August at 12.2.

The safest period was December 2024, which saw a relatively low rate of 2.8. Other low-crime months included February (4.4) and April (5.0). The latter half of the year generally saw higher crime rates compared to the beginning of the period. Despite the upward trend, the overall safety score of 71/100 still indicates a relatively safe environment. However, the fluctuations suggest that crime in Rural Exeter is subject to seasonal spikes and that vigilance remains important for residents.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Exeter

The most common crime type in Rural Exeter is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the area is generally safe, taking proactive steps can help maintain personal safety.

Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the urban settlement, particularly during the evening and late-night hours when anti-social behaviour is more likely to be reported. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas.

Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the police. Early reporting helps authorities address issues before they become more serious and can help identify patterns in specific neighbourhoods.

Ensure that your home and outbuildings are properly secured. Use high-quality locks on doors, windows, sheds, and garages, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft, even in less densely populated areas.

Be mindful of personal safety in commercial areas where shoplifting occurs. Keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also be a very effective way to stay informed and connected with your community.

Crime Timing in Rural Exeter

Crime timing in Rural Exeter reveals that different types of offences are more likely at specific times of day. Theft-related crimes are most frequent during the morning (25%) and afternoon (27%), likely coinciding with peak activity hours. Burglary risks show distinct peaks at night (20%) and in the afternoon (19%), which is typical for areas where property is left unattended. Interestingly, the evening and night hours are heavily dominated by 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 71% and 57% of incidents in those periods respectively. Vehicle crime also shows a peak at night (19%). This suggests that while daytime is the main period for theft, the evening and night hours are when general anti-social behaviour and property-related offences are most prevalent in the community. Residents should be particularly mindful of property security during the late hours.

Rural Exeter's crime rate of 109.0 is higher than that of many other urban settlements in the region. Its safety profile is more closely aligned with the main urban area of Exeter than with the more rural and suburban neighbouring areas. This regional context highlights Rural Exeter as an area where crime is more concentrated than in some of its immediate neighbours. For those considering the wider region, Rural Exeter offers a less densely populated environment but with a higher crime profile compared to some of the smaller towns and villages in the Exeter local authority. This is a common pattern for areas on the outskirts of major regional hubs.

In Rural Exeter, the property crime rate is 22.1 per 1,000, which is lower than the national average but still warrants attention. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV or DIY alarms are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. For homeowners who want to proactively protect their property, scOS offers a more advanced solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence, it can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, removing the element of surprise. In an area like Rural Exeter, where burglary and vehicle crime are relevant concerns, a professional-grade system like scOS acts as a powerful deterrent. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure your home remains secure.