Teignbridge Crime Rate

Teignbridge is characterized by a high level of safety, reflected in its safety score of 85/100. The district's overall crime rate stands at 61.7 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This region, which includes a mix of coastal resorts, rural moorland, and market towns, has experienced a stable crime trend with a modest year-over-year increase of 4.2%. Property crime is particularly low at 16.9 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.2. While violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of recorded crime, the overall statistical profile suggests Teignbridge is one of the safer districts in the South West, providing a secure environment for its 138,548 residents.

Teignbridge is a diverse district in South Devon that balances coastal tourism, the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park, and busy market towns. The area's crime statistics are influenced by this mix of environments. Urban centres like Newton Abbot act as commercial hubs with higher footfall, while coastal resorts like Teignmouth and Dawlish experience significant seasonal population surges during the summer months, which can lead to temporary increases in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft.

The district is bisected by major transport links, including the A38 and the main railway line, which facilitate both local economic activity and transient populations. Employment is varied, ranging from tourism and retail to agriculture and light industry. These economic factors, combined with a generally affluent but ageing population, contribute to a safety profile that is better than the national average. However, the contrast between secluded rural parishes and more densely populated urban areas creates a varied crime landscape across the authority.

Crime in Teignbridge is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.3% of all recorded incidents, at a rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, representing 16.4% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.9%.

When looking at property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle offences—the district maintains a rate of 16.9 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, "other theft" is the most common at 4.3 per 1,000, while burglary remains relatively infrequent at 1.8 per 1,000. For residents, this means that while the risk of serious property intrusion is low compared to national figures, there is a persistent level of lower-level theft and criminal damage that warrants consistent attention to home and vehicle security. Protecting outbuildings and vehicles is particularly relevant in the district's more rural and suburban settings.

The crime trend in Teignbridge is currently stable, having increased by 4.2% over the last year. This suggests that while there has been a slight uptick in reported incidents, the overall safety of the district remains consistent. Monthly data from 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern. The year began with relatively low rates, starting at 4.4 per 1,000 in January and rising to 5.2 in March.

As the weather improved and the tourism season began, the crime rate climbed steadily, peaking in July at 6.2 per 1,000. This summer peak is a common trend in South Devon districts. Following the peak, the rate saw a gradual decline through the autumn months, dropping to 4.9 in October and ending the year at its lowest point of 4.3 in December. This data indicates that the mid-summer period is when residents and visitors should be most vigilant, while the low year-end figures reinforce the district's general status as a high-safety area.

Teignbridge sits in a varied regional context. It is significantly safer than the nearby city of Exeter, where the crime rate is much higher at 112.6 per 1,000 people. In contrast, several surrounding areas including Torbay, West Devon, South Hams, Mid Devon, and East Devon all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset. While these zero-rated figures likely stem from differences in data reporting or collection periods, they highlight Teignbridge as an area with a moderate and well-documented crime profile for the region. For those comparing local areas, Teignbridge offers a middle ground between the higher-activity urban centre of Exeter and the seemingly quieter surrounding rural and coastal districts.

Security in Teignbridge should focus on maintaining the area's high safety standards through prevention. While the property crime rate of 16.9 per 1,000 is low, the presence of 245 burglaries and 177 vehicle crimes annually indicates that opportunistic theft is a reality. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarm systems, are often reactive, providing notifications or footage only after a perimeter has been breached.

scOS provides a more advanced, proactive alternative. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats in real-time. It can distinguish between family members and strangers, and its autonomous response capabilities—such as activating deterrent lights or speakers—can stop a crime before it happens. In a district like Teignbridge, where many properties may be isolated or left unattended during the day, the ability of scOS to act as a 24/7 intelligent guardian is invaluable. Choosing proactive protection over simple recording ensures that your home remains a hard target for the opportunistic criminals that operate even in low-crime areas.

How To Keep Safe in Teignbridge

The most common crime type in Teignbridge is violence and sexual offences, making up 44.3% of all reports. While the district is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance personal and residential security.

1. Be Mindful in Tourist Areas: During the summer months, coastal areas like Teignmouth and Dawlish see a rise in visitors. Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places and keep personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Rural Properties: If you live in a more isolated part of the district, ensure that outbuildings, barns, and garages are fitted with high-quality locks. Rural theft can often go unnoticed for longer periods, making proactive boundary alarms essential.
3. Report Anti-social Behaviour: With ASB being the second most common crime, reporting incidents helps local police identify hotspots. This is particularly important in town centres and public parks during the evening.
4. Vehicle Safety: Although vehicle crime is low (1.3 per 1,000), always ensure valuables are out of sight and vehicles are locked, especially when parked in trail-head car parks or coastal viewing points.