North Devon Crime Rate

North Devon exhibits a crime rate of 73.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. This suggests a relatively safer environment compared to many other areas of the country. However, like all locations, North Devon experiences a range of criminal activities. While the overall trend remains stable, with a 1.7% year-on-year change, certain crime types, such as robbery, have seen more significant fluctuations. Understanding these trends and the specific types of crime prevalent in the area is crucial for residents and prospective newcomers alike. Data from February 2025 to January 2026 informs this analysis.

North Devon’s crime statistics are influenced by a combination of factors. As a predominantly rural local authority district, a significant portion of the population resides in smaller villages and rural settlements. This dispersed population, coupled with a reliance on tourism and agriculture, presents unique challenges. The presence of visitor hotspots, particularly during peak seasons, can lead to increased opportunities for opportunistic crime. Demographically, North Devon has a slightly older population than the national average, which may impact crime types and reporting patterns. The area’s varied landscape, including coastal regions and moorland, can also present challenges for policing and crime prevention.

While North Devon’s overall crime rate is below the UK average, certain crime types contribute significantly to the statistics. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for nearly 30% of all reported crimes. This category includes a range of incidents, from minor assaults to more serious offences. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable concern, often linked to issues in public spaces. Shoplifting represents another significant proportion of recorded crime, particularly within the town centres. Property crime, encompassing burglaries, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, collectively accounts for 22.6 per 1,000 residents. The prevalence of these crime types highlights the need for targeted interventions and community engagement initiatives.

Crime in North Devon has remained stable overall, experiencing a slight increase of 1.7% year-on-year between February 2025 and January 2026. Monthly crime rates fluctuated throughout the period, peaking in August 2025 at 7.3 per 1,000 and reaching a low of 4.3 per 1,000 in January 2026. While some crime categories, like robbery, bicycle theft and vehicle crime, have seen significant increases, others, such as burglary, have decreased. This indicates a complex and evolving crime landscape within the area.

When comparing North Devon to its neighbouring local authorities, the area fares relatively well. Torridge has a crime rate of 54.8 per 1,000, Mid Devon 59.6, Somerset 87.7, West Devon 45.2, Exeter 112.5 and Teignbridge 61.3. West Devon stands out as the safest neighbour with a significantly lower crime rate, while Exeter presents a stark contrast with a considerably higher rate. These comparisons highlight the varied levels of safety across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. For North Devon residents concerned about property crime, particularly burglaries (2.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (1.2 per 1,000), a proactive approach is essential. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a fundamentally different level of protection. Unlike reactive systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to detect threats at the property boundary and prevent incidents before they escalate. The visible presence of scOS, with its autonomous response capabilities like automated lights and speaker warnings, acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential offenders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection like scOS provides a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in North Devon

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, here are some practical tips for staying safe in North Devon. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Secondly, secure your property diligently by ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, if you're a driver, be mindful of vehicle crime, which has seen a 15.7% increase year-on-year – always lock your car and remove valuables from view.