Mid Devon Crime Rate

Mid Devon has an overall crime rate of 61.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. The district boasts a high safety score of 85/100, far outperforming the national average of 78 and making it one of the most secure local authorities in the country. The recent trend direction for Mid Devon is stable, showing a minor 4.3% increase year-over-year. This stability suggests that Mid Devon remains a consistently safe place to live and work. For the community, this context provides a secure environment where the focus is on maintaining high safety standards and addressing social nuisance crimes like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Mid Devon is a largely rural local authority district in the heart of Devon, characterized by its rolling countryside, market towns, and agricultural heritage. The area includes the main towns of Tiverton, Cullompton, and Crediton, which serve as commercial hubs for the surrounding villages. Economic activity is centered around agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and a growing commuter population working in nearby Exeter. The district's low population density and lack of major urban centers contribute to its status as one of the safer regions in the UK. However, the presence of the M5 corridor and the main railway line can influence crime statistics, particularly regarding transient-related offences and vehicle crime. Mid Devon's demographics lean towards a more settled, older population, which generally correlates with lower rates of anti-social behaviour and violent crime compared to more urbanized areas. This combination of rural stability and economic resilience provides a secure foundation for the local community.

In Mid Devon, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.4% of all reported incidents (2,272 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 16.6% (868 crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.6%. When looking at property crime collectively—including burglary, theft, shoplifting, and vehicle crime—the rate is 17.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9, indicating that Mid Devon is an exceptionally secure district against theft-related offences. Shoplifting accounts for 5.0% of local crime, while burglary and vehicle crime make up 3.4% and 1.8% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while violent offences are the primary concern, the risk to property is very low. Maintaining a visible security presence can help deter the criminal damage and anti-social behaviour that remain the area's most frequent property-related issues.

Mid Devon's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 4.3% increase in total incidents over the last year. Monthly data reveals seasonal fluctuations, with a notable peak in July 2025 where the crime rate reached 6.3 per 1,000 residents, followed by elevated levels in May (5.5) and June (5.5). Conversely, months like October 2025 (4.4) and December 2024 (4.7) recorded much lower activity. This stability suggests that the district's safety profile is consistent, without rapid shifts in crime levels. For residents, this means that while crime remains a factor, the environment is predictable, allowing for consistent property security and community awareness measures to be maintained throughout the year.

Mid Devon is a notably secure district within a region of varied safety profiles. Its crime rate of 61.6 is significantly lower than that of larger nearby urban centres like Exeter. It offers an exceptionally quiet safety profile compared to its more urbanised neighbours, reflecting its rural character. This regional context positions Mid Devon as a highly desirable location for those seeking a safe, community-focused environment while remaining close to major regional hubs in Devon and Somerset. It consistently ranks as one of the safest local authorities in the South West.

In Mid Devon, where property crime is exceptionally low at 17.5 per 1,000, residents enjoy a level of security far above the national average. However, maintaining this safety requires more than just reactive measures. Standard CCTV systems only record a crime after it has occurred, which is of little comfort once a theft has taken place. To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is necessary. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundary in real-time. Unlike DIY cameras, scOS detects threats before they reach your home. By using autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—scOS destroys the element of surprise that opportunistic offenders rely on. In an area where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are the primary property-related concerns, having a system that can identify and deter loitering or suspicious activity before it escalates provides the ultimate peace of mind. Proactive detection is the most effective way to ensure Mid Devon remains a safe haven for your family.

How To Keep Safe in Mid Devon

The highest crime category in Mid Devon is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe in public, try to stick to well-lit, populated routes when walking after dark. For homeowners, anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue; ensuring your property has clear boundaries and motion-sensor lighting can discourage loitering and nuisance behaviour. To protect against criminal damage—the third most significant local issue—keep high-value items out of sight and ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained and well-lit. Burglary is rare in Mid Devon, but you can maintain this by always double-checking that windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch group can help you stay connected with your community and informed about any minor changes in local crime patterns across the district, ensuring Mid Devon's high safety standards are maintained.