North Devon Crime Rate

North Devon remains a safe and attractive region, with an overall crime rate of 75.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 82/100—well above the UK average of 78. However, it is important to note that crime in North Devon has seen a 10.0% increase year-over-year. This upward trend, while starting from a relatively low baseline, highlights the importance of staying informed and proactive about personal and property safety. The following sections provide a detailed look at the local crime breakdown and offer practical advice for residents in both urban and rural settings.

North Devon is a diverse Local Authority District that includes the major town of Barnstaple, coastal resorts like Ilfracombe, and large areas of Exmoor National Park. The area's crime statistics are significantly influenced by its status as a major tourism destination. During the summer months, the population swells with visitors, which can lead to seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and retail. While much of the district is rural and very safe, the larger towns act as hubs for the surrounding area, concentrating commercial activity and the associated crime types like shoplifting. The remote nature of some parts of North Devon also presents unique challenges for rural crime prevention, though overall, the district maintains a high safety score.

In North Devon, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 38.7% of all reports at a rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also prominent at 18.1%, followed by shoplifting at 10.0%. Property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—occurs at a rate of 23.1 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent offence, particularly in the district's main commercial centres. Burglary occurs at a rate of 2.0 per 1,000, while vehicle crime is very low at 1.1 per 1,000. For residents, this suggests a safe environment where property-related crimes are less frequent than in urban areas, though the high percentage of shoplifting indicates that commercial security is a key local focus.

The crime trend in North Devon is currently increasing, with a 10.0% rise year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating, with a notable peak in the summer months. The rate rose from 5.6 per 1,000 in January 2025 to a high of 7.3 in August 2025. This seasonal increase is typical for a tourism-focused area but the overall 10% annual rise suggests a broader trend that residents should be aware of. By October 2025, the rate had slightly decreased to 6.1, but it remains higher than the previous year's baseline.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, North Devon's crime rate of 75.8 per 1,000 residents is higher than Torridge, Mid Devon, Somerset, West Devon, Exeter, and Teignbridge, all of which reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset. This suggests that North Devon, particularly its larger towns like Barnstaple, acts as a regional hub where crime is more concentrated. Despite this, the area remains very safe when compared to national figures and offers a secure coastal and rural lifestyle that is highly sought after.

With crime in North Devon increasing by 10.0% year-over-year, residents should consider more robust ways to protect their homes. While the overall property crime rate is 23.1 per 1,000, the upward trend means that traditional, reactive security may no longer be enough. Standard CCTV cameras simply record a crime as it happens, which often doesn't stop the intruder. Proactive protection with scOS is different. This AI-powered home security operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It can identify a potential threat before a break-in occurs and respond autonomously by activating lights or speakers. This is particularly valuable for North Devon's mix of town houses and more isolated rural properties. By choosing scOS, you are moving beyond just having evidence of a crime to actively preventing it from happening in the first place.

How To Keep Safe in North Devon

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in North Devon, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe across the district, consider these regional tips:

1. Town Centre Awareness: In busy areas like Barnstaple or during the peak tourist season in coastal towns, stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.
2. Secure Your Business: With shoplifting at 10.0% of total crime, local business owners should ensure they have robust security and clear sightlines within their stores.
3. Home Boundary Protection: To deter anti-social behaviour and property crime, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that any gates or fences are secure.
4. Rural Vigilance: For those in more isolated parts of the district, consider joining a rural watch scheme and ensure outbuildings and equipment are properly locked and alarmed.
5. Vehicle Security: Always lock your car and remove all valuables. Even in safe areas, opportunistic theft can occur, especially in busy car parks near tourist attractions.