Local Area Crime Statistics

North Devon Crime Rate

Crime is increasing and LOW in North Devon

North Devon experiences a crime rate of 75.8 per 1,000 people, notably safer than the UK average, with an increasing trend. Safety score: 83/100.

Overall Crime Rate

75.8
per 1,000 people
19% lower than UK avg

Property Crime Rate

23.3
per 1,000 people
30% lower than UK avg

Based on population of 101,222 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for North Devon

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in North Devon
Overall Crime Rate75.8 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate23.3 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score83 out of 100
Population101,222
Trendincreasing
Comparisonsignificantly lower than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in North Devon
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences2,94929.138%
Anti-social behaviour1,38613.718%
Shoplifting7847.810%
Criminal damage and arson6486.48%
Public order5235.27%
Other theft4864.86%
Burglary2142.13%
Drugs20823%
Other crime1611.62%
Vehicle crime1071.11%
Possession of weapons820.81%
Bicycle theft510.51%
Theft from the person400.41%
Robbery290.30%

Introduction to Crime in North Devon

North Devon presents a crime rate of 75.8 per 1,000 residents per year, positioning the area as notably safer compared to the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The safety score for North Devon stands at 83 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 13.4% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for understanding the detailed crime statistics and trends within the North Devon area.

North Devon Safety Score

83
Safe
Safety Score out of 100

North Devon has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (78).

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Crime Rates Across North Devon

Ilfracombe

140.8
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Barnstaple

131.7
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Chambercombe

69.9
per 1,000
Low Risk

South Molton

67.0
per 1,000
Low Risk

Chivenor and Wrafton

43.7
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Witheridge

43.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Combe Martin

42.6
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Lynton and Lynmouth

42.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Chulmleigh

38.5
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Braunton

38.3
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Westacott

32.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Fremington

30.8
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

About North Devon

North Devon, with a population of over 100,000 residents, is characterised by its diverse landscape, encompassing bustling market towns, picturesque coastal areas, and extensive rural hinterlands. This mix of urban and rural environments significantly influences its crime statistics. Major centres like Barnstaple serve as commercial and transport hubs, attracting both residents and visitors, which can contribute to higher rates of certain crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The region's vibrant tourism industry, particularly along its stunning coastline and within Exmoor National Park, also plays a role. Seasonal influxes of tourists can lead to a temporary increase in opportunistic crimes like theft. While the resident population is generally stable, the transient visitor population can sometimes impact crime patterns. Economically, North Devon relies on tourism, agriculture, and local services. These factors combine to create a unique crime profile, where overall safety is high, but specific areas and seasonal variations may see elevated crime types, particularly those related to public interaction and property.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
2,949 incidents (29.1 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
1,386 incidents (13.7 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
784 incidents (7.8 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
648 incidents (6.4 per 1,000)
Public order
523 incidents (5.2 per 1,000)
Other theft
486 incidents (4.8 per 1,000)
Burglary
214 incidents (2.1 per 1,000)
Drugs
208 incidents (2 per 1,000)
Other crime
161 incidents (1.6 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
107 incidents (1.1 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
82 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
51 incidents (0.5 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
40 incidents (0.4 per 1,000)
Robbery
29 incidents (0.3 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↑ 3.3% change(over 12 months)
North Devon
UK Average

Compare North Devon with similar populations

North Devon has a 18.8% lower crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Type Analysis in North Devon

An analysis of crime types in North Devon reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 38.5% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 18.1% of offences (13.7 per 1,000), while shoplifting is the third most frequent, at 10.2% (7.8 per 1,000). Property-related crime, a significant concern for residents and homeowners, encompasses several categories. Overall, property crime in North Devon stands at 23.3 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (8.4%), other theft (6.3%), burglary (2.8%), vehicle crime (1.4%), bicycle theft (0.7%), theft from the person (0.5%), and robbery (0.4%). The prevalence of violence and sexual offences, alongside a notable portion of anti-social behaviour, suggests a need for community-focused crime reduction strategies. For homeowners, the property crime rate, though below the UK average, highlights the importance of robust security measures to protect against burglary, theft, and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in North Devon

North Devon has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 13.4% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. The rates fluctuated, starting at 6.1 in October 2024, dipping to 5.6 in December and January 2025, before showing an upward trajectory through spring and summer. Peaks were observed in May (6.9), June (7.1), and August (7.3) 2025, suggesting a seasonal influence potentially linked to increased activity or tourism during warmer months. The rate then saw a slight decrease to 6.3 in September 2025. This sustained increase indicates a shift in local crime dynamics, and residents may wish to consider enhanced vigilance and security measures in response to these evolving patterns.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, North Devon's crime rate of 75.8 per 1,000 can be compared with its neighbours. Torridge, Mid Devon, West Devon, and Somerset generally present lower crime rates, often characteristic of more rural or less densely populated regions. Exeter, as a larger urban centre, typically experiences a higher crime rate due to its greater population density and diverse activities. Teignbridge, another coastal and semi-rural area, often has crime rates closer to North Devon's. This comparison illustrates that while North Devon is safer than the national average, its crime rate is higher than some of its more rural counterparts, yet potentially lower than more urban hubs within the wider South West region. This regional perspective helps residents understand North Devon's position within the local crime landscape.

Protecting Your Property in North Devon

Given North Devon's property crime rate of 23.3 per 1,000, which is below the UK average, proactive home security remains a vital consideration for residents. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after an incident has occurred, merely recording a burglary rather than preventing it. For genuine peace of mind and effective protection against property crime, a proactive approach is essential. Advanced AI-powered home security operating systems, like scOS, are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they gain entry. This contrasts sharply with systems that merely notify you after the fact. scOS leverages multi-camera intelligence, watching all cameras simultaneously, and can even verify vehicles with DVLA integration. By learning your routines, it only alerts on real threats, destroying the element of surprise for burglars with autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers. The right security system can make a significant difference; visible deterrence makes potential burglars move on within their critical 60-second decision window, offering a professional-grade alternative to reactive DIY solutions.

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About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for North Devon

4,392+
UK Locations Monitored
19M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.uk — Recorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National Statistics — Demographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home Office — National offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI Requests — Supplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,392+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Greater Manchester locations are presently excluded due to data access limitations. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately bimonthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

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