Rural North Devon Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rural North Devon reveal a crime rate of 36.7 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment than many areas across the country. The safety score for Rural North Devon is a reassuring 91 out of 100, indicating a high level of perceived safety amongst residents. While violent and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of reported crimes, the overall trend demonstrates stability, with a year-on-year decrease of 3.6%. Understanding these figures provides a baseline for assessing community safety and identifying areas for targeted intervention.

The crime landscape in Rural North Devon is complex, reflecting the area's unique characteristics. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of recorded crime, accounting for 45.4% (313 crimes) over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This category encompasses a range of offences, highlighting potential challenges related to community safety. Following this, Other theft constitutes 12.6% (87 crimes) of reported incidents, suggesting opportunities for targeted prevention measures. Anti-social behaviour accounts for 9.7% (67 crimes), and criminal damage and arson for 9.3% (64 crimes). Overall property crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, stands at a rate of 11.7 per 1,000 residents, reflecting the area's rural nature and potentially limited security measures in some properties. The prevalence of these crime types necessitates a multifaceted approach to addressing community safety concerns.

Crime rates in Rural North Devon have remained relatively stable, demonstrating a decrease of 3.6% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest monthly crime rate recorded in June (4.2 per 1,000) and the lowest in November (2.3 per 1,000). This variability may be influenced by seasonal factors, local events, or changes in police resource allocation. While the overall trend remains stable, continued monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to maintain community safety.

How To Keep Safe in Rural North Devon

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Consider walking with a companion or using well-lit routes. Due to the frequency of Other theft, secure your belongings and be vigilant in public places. Lock your vehicles and remove valuables whenever possible. With anti-social behaviour being a notable concern, report any suspicious activity to the police. Finally, ensure your home is securely locked, with appropriate lighting and consider a monitored alarm system for added peace of mind.

Crime patterns in Rural North Devon demonstrate distinct variations throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 19% of incidents. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a higher incidence of theft, particularly during commercial hours. Violence tends to peak during the evening (6pm - 12am), especially on weekends. Vehicle crime also shows a peak overnight (11pm - 6am). Understanding these patterns can help residents and visitors take proactive steps to enhance their safety and security throughout the day and night.

Compared to similar rural areas in North Devon, Rural North Devon demonstrates a lower overall crime rate. Neighbouring villages, such as [Insert Example Village 1] and [Insert Example Village 2], report crime rates of [Insert Example Rate 1] and [Insert Example Rate 2] respectively, highlighting the relative safety of Rural North Devon. However, it's important to note that crime patterns can vary significantly even within small geographical areas, and localised issues may still arise. Comparing trends with surrounding areas provides valuable context for assessing the overall safety landscape.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. For genuine peace of mind, consider a proactive security system like scOS. scOS uses AI to learn your property's routines, instantly recognising unfamiliar vehicles or individuals at your boundary. The visible presence of scOS cameras and signage acts as a powerful deterrent, often preventing crime before it even starts. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags cloned or stolen vehicles, and multi-camera intelligence ensures no blind spots. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually protecting your property in real-time is another. scOS isn’t about reacting; it’s about preventing.