Crediton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In Crediton, the built-up area within Mid Devon, the crime rate for February 2026 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.4% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure translates to a monthly exposure where one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents. The crime profile reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.2% of all incidents, shoplifting made up 25.0%, and public order issues contributed 9.4%. These figures suggest a concentration of crime in areas with higher foot traffic, such as retail centres and public spaces. The winter month context, with its typically lower outdoor activity, may partially explain the relative stability in property crime compared to other seasons. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting—now 2.0 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000—raises questions about local retail security measures. This is particularly notable given Crediton's status as a market town with a mix of independent shops and larger stores, which may be more vulnerable to opportunistic theft during colder months when outdoor activity is reduced. The overall rate, while elevated compared to the UK, remains consistent with historical trends for similar-sized towns in rural Devon, where community policing and local engagement often play a significant role in crime prevention.

February 2026 saw a striking 166.7% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from six to 16. This surge, which now stands at 2.0 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggests a significant shift in criminal behaviour. Conversely, other theft crimes fell by 83.3% (from six to one), and criminal damage and arson decreased by 60.0% (from 10 to four). These fluctuations may reflect seasonal patterns, with colder weather potentially reducing outdoor activity that could lead to vandalism. The breakdown of violent crimes—accounting for 42.2% of all incidents—remains higher than the UK average for this category (2.3 per 1,000 vs 2.3 per 1,000). This discrepancy could be linked to Crediton's social dynamics, where a mix of transient visitors and local residents may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour—though lower than the UK average (0.5 vs 0.9 per 1,000)—suggests that community cohesion efforts may be having some effect. For residents, the most immediately relevant figure is the sharp rise in shoplifting, which could prompt local retailers to consider enhanced security measures or community engagement initiatives.

Compared to January 2026, Crediton's crime rate fell by 15.8%, from 9.4 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while modest, may reflect the natural ebb of criminal activity during the winter lull, though it is tempered by the significant rise in shoplifting. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in February, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in high-risk areas. When scaled to the local population of 8,068 residents, this means that over the course of the month, one in every 126 individuals encountered a reported crime. This ratio, though seemingly small, is a reminder that crime is not evenly distributed and can be concentrated in specific locations or demographics. For context, the UK average crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 means Crediton is experiencing a higher-than-average level of risk, particularly in categories like shoplifting and violent crime. However, the reduction from January suggests that local efforts—whether through policing, community programmes, or natural seasonal factors—may be contributing to a temporary slowdown in crime. This comparative perspective is crucial for residents, who must balance awareness of local risks with the broader understanding that Crediton's crime rate, while elevated, remains within a range typical for similar-sized towns in rural England.