Mid Devon Crime Rate

About Mid Devon

Mid Devon presents a crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to Mid Devon's impressive safety score of 85 out of 100, placing it well above the national average of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in overall crime, with a 10.4% rise year-over-year. This report delves into the specifics of crime within the area, offering a comprehensive overview of its safety landscape and emerging patterns.

Understanding Crime in Mid Devon

Mid Devon is predominantly a rural district in Devon, characterised by its market towns and villages, and extensive agricultural land. Its lower population density compared to more urban centres often correlates with lower overall crime rates. The district benefits from a strong community feel, which can act as a natural deterrent to certain types of offences. While major transport hubs are less prevalent than in larger cities, local road networks connect its communities. The economy is largely based on agriculture, small businesses, and tourism, which generally supports a stable environment. However, like any area, it experiences a range of criminal activities, with the increasing trend suggesting evolving challenges that residents should be aware of.

Crime Type Analysis

An examination of crime types in Mid Devon reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most significant category, accounting for 2280 crimes (42.6% of the total) at a rate of 26.8 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, with 907 incidents (17.0%) at 10.7 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson complete the top three, with 577 recorded crimes (10.8%) at 6.8 per 1,000.

Regarding property-related crime, Mid Devon experiences a rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (2.1 per 1,000), other theft (4.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.1 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (6.8 per 1,000). While lower than national figures, these statistics highlight the importance of residents and homeowners remaining vigilant. Protecting your property from opportunistic theft or damage remains a key consideration, despite the area's generally safer profile.

Crime Trends in Mid Devon

Mid Devon has experienced an increasing trend in overall crime, with a notable 10.4% rise year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout the past year. Crime rates were relatively lower in December 2024 (4.7) and January 2025 (4.8), before showing a slight increase in April and May 2025 (both 5.2 and 5.5). A distinct peak was observed in July 2025, reaching 6.3 crimes per 1,000, which then subsided towards September 2025 (5.0). This upward trajectory suggests that while Mid Devon remains safer than the UK average, residents should be mindful of these evolving patterns and consider appropriate security measures to safeguard their homes and belongings.

Comparing Mid Devon with Nearby Areas

When placed in a regional context, Mid Devon's crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 people stands favourably against several neighbouring areas. For instance, more urbanised areas like Exeter typically present higher crime figures due to their population density and diverse activities. Similarly, larger administrative regions such as Somerset, while broader in scope, often show varied crime patterns influenced by their urban and rural components. Smaller, more rural districts like East Devon, North Devon, and West Devon may exhibit crime rates closer to or slightly lower than Mid Devon's, reflecting shared demographic and geographical characteristics. Teignbridge offers another point of comparison, often having a slightly different mix of coastal and inland communities impacting its crime profile. Overall, Mid Devon maintains a strong safety score and a lower crime rate compared to many of its regional counterparts, making it a relatively secure place to live within the wider South West.

Protecting Your Property in Mid Devon

Given Mid Devon's property crime rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, proactive home security remains a crucial consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, true protection lies in preventing crime before it even happens.

Consider security solutions that offer proactive deterrence. Systems like scOS utilise AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, rather than waiting for an intruder to gain entry. This multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. The goal is to destroy the element of surprise for potential burglars. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; a visible, professional-grade security system that engages them with lights and speakers can make them move on. Investing in such advanced, preventative measures goes beyond merely recording an incident; it actively safeguards your home and belongings against the property-related crimes observed in Mid Devon.