Mid Devon Crime Rate

Mid Devon's crime rate of 59.3 per 1,000 residents places it 34.9% below the UK average, making it one of the safer areas in the region. Despite this, shoplifting has surged by 28% YoY, a notable trend that may reflect the area's growing retail sectors. The data also reveals that theft from the person has fallen sharply by 28.6% over the past year, highlighting a positive shift in public safety outcomes.

Mid Devon is a diverse area encompassing both rural and urban communities, with a mix of historic towns, scenic countryside, and commuter suburbs. The region's lower crime rates may partly reflect its relatively low population density and strong community networks. Urban centres like Tiverton, which have higher crime rates than the Mid Devon average, likely experience more anti-social behaviour due to concentrated populations and local amenities. In contrast, rural areas such as Bow and Silverton show significantly lower crime rates, potentially due to reduced opportunities for opportunistic theft and greater community oversight. The area's economic profile, with a mix of agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing, may also influence crime patterns, as retail hubs and commuter parking zones can attract different types of criminal activity.

The most surprising finding in Mid Devon's crime profile is the significant rise in shoplifting (+28% YoY), despite remaining 54% below the UK average. This increase may be linked to the area's growing retail presence, particularly in towns like Tiverton and Exeter, which attract both local and tourist foot traffic. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences, though the most common crime type, remain 19% below the UK average, possibly due to the area's lower population density and community-oriented policing. Anti-social behaviour is also lower (39% below UK average), which could reflect strong local social cohesion and effective Neighbourhood Watch initiatives. Property crime, at 45.5% below the UK average, benefits from the region's mix of rural and suburban environments, where homes are often spaced apart, reducing opportunities for burglary. Vehicle crime. YoY, remains 72% below the UK average, likely due to the area's lower urban density and limited commuter parking zones.

Crime in Mid Devon has decreased by 5.2% year-on-year, with a notable 28.6% drop in theft from the person. This decline may be attributed to increased public awareness and improved lighting in key areas. Monthly trends show a peak in July 2025 (6.3 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by longer evenings and increased outdoor activity. Shoplifting, however, has risen by 28.1% YoY, possibly due to the area's expanding retail sectors and seasonal factors. Despite these fluctuations, Mid Devon's overall crime rate remains 34.9% below the UK average, reflecting the area's consistent safety performance.

Compared to nearby areas, Mid Devon's crime rate of 59.3 per 1,000 is significantly lower than Exeter's 112.7 per 1,000 but slightly higher than West Devon's 45.4 per 1,000. The disparity with Exeter likely stems from Exeter's larger urban population and higher economic activity, while West Devon's lower rate may reflect its more rural character and sparse population distribution.

For residents in Mid Devon, proactive security measures can help mitigate risks, particularly in areas with rising shoplifting rates. Ensuring valuables are stored securely in retail zones and using discreet lighting in outdoor spaces can deter opportunistic theft. Given the area's overall low crime profile, systems like scOS offer proportionate protection by leveraging AI to detect and respond to threats before they escalate. For instance, scOS's ability to distinguish between regular visitors and potential intruders could be particularly useful in rural areas where unfamiliar figures may be more common.

How To Keep Safe in Mid Devon

Residents in Mid Devon should focus on mitigating risks in areas with rising shoplifting rates, such as retail hubs. Storing valuables in secure containers and using discreet lighting in outdoor spaces can deter opportunistic theft. In rural areas, where vehicle crime is a growing concern, ensuring vehicles are locked and valuables are not visible through windows may help. For those living near Tiverton, where crime rates are higher than the Mid Devon average, community engagement and awareness of local initiatives can play a role in maintaining safety. These steps align with the area's overall low crime profile, offering targeted protection without overcomplicating daily life.