Mid Devon Crime Rate March 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Devon's crime rate in March 2025 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 38.5% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.8 per 1,000. This figure places the area significantly below the national benchmark, reflecting a broader pattern of lower crime rates in rural and semi-rural regions. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.1%). These trends align with the area's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to spring, extended evening hours, and the end of winter’s stricter routines—could influence patterns of outdoor activity and social interaction, affecting crime dynamics. While violent crime remains the most common category, its rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 16% below the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community policing efforts or demographic characteristics may play a role. The low incidence of shoplifting (71% below UK average) and drugs-related crime (63% below) further highlights Mid Devon’s distinct profile compared to more densely populated urban areas.

March 2025 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, raising concerns for residents. Robbery incidents doubled from zero to two, while bicycle theft and vehicle crime rose by 100% and 60% respectively. These jumps, though numerically small, may signal emerging risks or shifts in criminal activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75% (from four to one), and shoplifting decreased by 22.7% (from 22 to 17), indicating some areas of improvement. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast with national trends: violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) are 16% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) is 44% below. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime—now 0.1 per 1,000—raises questions about vulnerabilities in rural parking areas or transport hubs. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high vehicle turnover or where unattended vehicles are common. The 100% increase in bicycle theft, though only one incident, underscores the need for secure storage solutions for cyclists, especially as spring cycling season begins. These trends, while not indicative of a widespread surge, highlight pockets of risk that warrant attention from both residents and local authorities.

Mid Devon’s crime rate in March 2025 fell to 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% decline from the previous month’s rate of 5.0 per 1,000. This downward trend, though modest, suggests some stability in the area’s crime profile. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 13 crimes per day—a figure that, while low, translates to one reported crime for roughly every 209 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many urban counterparts, reinforcing Mid Devon’s status as a relatively safe area. When viewed through the lens of population, the 84,993 residents of Mid Devon experienced a crime rate that is 38.5% below the UK average, a disparity that reflects the area’s rural nature and lower population density. The previous month’s slight increase in violent crime (from 186 to 191 incidents) was offset by reductions in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, illustrating the fluctuating nature of local crime patterns. For residents, these figures mean that while the overall risk of encountering crime remains low, specific vulnerabilities—such as the sharp rise in vehicle and bicycle crime—require targeted awareness and preventive measures.