Rural Mid Devon Crime Rate

Rural Mid Devon is characterised by an exceptionally low crime rate of 32.2 per 1,000 residents, positioning it far below the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 92/100, which is significantly higher than the national average of 78. While the area is fundamentally very safe, recent data shows a 9.5% increase in crime year-over-year. This upward trend is often common in low-crime areas where even a small number of additional incidents can impact percentage figures. The context for Rural Mid Devon is one of peace and security, where the primary focus is on maintaining this high standard of safety amidst the unique challenges of a rural environment. The following analysis explores the specific types of crime reported and the patterns of activity across the district.

In Rural Mid Devon, the crime profile is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which constitute 49.3% of all reported incidents. This category, with a rate of 15.8 per 1,000 residents, is the most significant concern in the area. Other theft (11.1%) and anti-social behaviour (10.0%) follow, representing the next most frequent types of police activity. Criminal damage and arson also feature notably at 8.9% of the total.

The overall property crime rate in Rural Mid Devon is exceptionally low at 9.2 per 1,000 people, which is far below the UK average of 32.9. This includes burglary, which accounts for 5.2% of total crime, and vehicle crime at 2.8%. While these figures are low, the rural nature of the area can make properties more vulnerable to certain types of targeted theft. For residents and homeowners, this data suggests that while the statistical risk of property crime is minimal, the impact of such crimes in isolated settings can be significant. Maintaining awareness of social and personal safety is the primary requirement, alongside sensible measures to protect homes and outbuildings that may be less visible to neighbours.

The crime trend in Rural Mid Devon shows a year-over-year increase of 9.5%. While this figure appears significant, it must be viewed in the context of the area's very low overall crime volume; small changes in incident counts can lead to large percentage shifts. Monthly data from late 2024 and 2025 shows a relatively stable environment with minor fluctuations.

The rate peaked in May 2025 at 3.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, followed by a period of stability through the summer months. Most encouragingly, the most recent data from October 2025 shows the crime rate at its lowest point in the 12-month period, dropping to 1.8 per 1,000. This suggests that the upward trend observed earlier in the year may be reversing. For residents, this means that while the annual average is slightly higher, the current safety situation is robust. Continued community vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity remain key to maintaining the exceptionally high safety standards that Rural Mid Devon is known for.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Mid Devon

The highest crime type in Rural Mid Devon is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly half of all reports. In a rural context, this often relates to domestic incidents or isolated social disputes rather than random street crime.

To maintain your safety, it is important to stay connected with your local community. Rural watch schemes and community messaging groups are excellent ways to stay informed about suspicious activity or vehicles in the area. When out walking or exercising in remote parts of the countryside, always let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Carrying a fully charged mobile phone and a personal safety alarm can provide peace of mind in areas with low footfall.

For property safety, ensure that all farm equipment, tools, and vehicles are kept in locked buildings when not in use. Rural theft often targets high-value machinery. Using forensic marking and ensuring your property is well-signed as being protected can act as a significant deterrent. By combining traditional rural awareness with modern security practices, you can ensure that Rural Mid Devon remains a safe and secure place to live.

In Rural Mid Devon, crime patterns are influenced by the area's low population density and agricultural nature. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent crime type, often involving the loss of tools or equipment from outbuildings while residents are active elsewhere. Afternoon hours see a 19% share of burglary incidents, indicating that even in rural settings, daylight hours are not without risk.

As evening approaches, the risk of burglary remains steady at 20%, while 'other' crimes, including violence and public order, become more frequent. However, the most notable shift occurs at night (12am-6am). During these hours, burglary activity peaks at 27% and vehicle crime reaches its highest point of 24%. This suggests that offenders take advantage of the extreme quiet and darkness of the rural landscape to target properties and vehicles. For residents, this highlights the critical importance of nocturnal security and the use of motion-activated lighting and AI-driven monitoring to detect movement in the early hours when the community is most vulnerable.

Rural Mid Devon serves as a low-crime sanctuary when compared to the nearby urban settlements. Its crime rate of 32.2 is vastly lower than Tiverton (100.8) and Cullompton (75.2), which act as the primary commercial and population hubs of the local authority. Even compared to smaller towns like Crediton (78.7) or Bradninch (61.0), the rural areas maintain a distinct statistical advantage in terms of safety. This comparison highlights Rural Mid Devon as an ideal location for those seeking a quiet, secure environment, as it consistently outperforms the local towns in almost every safety metric. The surrounding region is generally safe, but the rural parts of Mid Devon represent the pinnacle of security within the county.

With a property crime rate of just 9.2 per 1,000 people, Rural Mid Devon is one of the safest places for homeowners. However, the rural geography presents unique security challenges. Properties in this area are often isolated, meaning a burglary or vehicle theft may go unnoticed by neighbours for some time. In this context, traditional security that merely records footage is insufficient.

Proactive protection through scOS is the most effective way to secure a rural property. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, which is essential for homes with large gardens or multiple outbuildings. The system identifies threats at the perimeter, not after a break-in has occurred. For rural residents, the autonomous response of scOS—such as engaging speakers or lights—is a powerful deterrent that can stop a criminal in their tracks. By the time an intruder realizes they are being watched by an intelligent system, the element of surprise is gone, and they are likely to move on. This level of professional-grade security ensures that even the most isolated Rural Mid Devon home is actively defended 24/7.