Bovey Tracey Crime Rate

Bovey Tracey is one of the most secure towns in South Devon, currently holding an exceptional safety score of 91/100. The town's overall crime rate is just 34.1 per 1,000 residents, which is roughly one-third of the UK national average of 91.7. Recent statistics show that the crime trend is stable, with a minor 1.0% decrease year-over-year. Known as the 'Gateway to the Moor,' Bovey Tracey offers a peaceful and low-crime environment for its 5,716 inhabitants. With property crime rates significantly below national norms, it is a highly desirable location for families and those seeking a secure lifestyle. The following sections detail the specific crime patterns and safety insights for this historic market town.

Crime Breakdown in Bovey Tracey

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bovey Tracey, accounting for 95 incidents or 16.6 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (5.8 per 1,000) and criminal damage and arson (3.9 per 1,000). Together, these categories represent the majority of reports in this quiet market town.

Property crime in Bovey Tracey, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, is exceptionally low at 8.4 per 1,000 people. This is roughly a quarter of the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, 'other theft' and burglary are the most frequent, though both occur at very low rates (2.5 and 1.2 per 1,000 respectively). Vehicle crime is almost non-existent, affecting only 0.3 per 1,000 people. For residents, these figures reflect a very secure environment where property-related offences are rare. However, the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that maintaining property boundaries remains a sensible precaution.

Crime Trends in Bovey Tracey

The crime trend in Bovey Tracey is currently stable, with a very minor 1.0% decrease in reported incidents over the past year. This consistency is characteristic of the town's secure and well-monitored community, which maintains a very high level of safety compared to larger urban centres.

Analysis of the monthly trendData from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 1.9 in December and February and a peak of 5.3 in March. Following this spring peak, the rates remained relatively steady, averaging around 3.0 throughout the summer and autumn months. The year ended with a rate of 2.5 in November. This pattern suggests that while there was a temporary spike in activity during the early spring, the overall safety of the area remains high and consistent throughout the rest of the year. For residents, this stability is a reassuring indicator of the town's long-term safety profile.

How To Keep Safe in Bovey Tracey

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bovey Tracey, though the overall numbers are very low. To maintain personal safety, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in quieter areas after dark, and to use well-lit routes where possible.

In a market town like Bovey Tracey, anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Ensuring your property's boundaries are well-defined and using motion-activated lighting can deter loitering and opportunistic crime. For those living near the town centre, keeping valuables out of sight in your vehicle is a sensible precaution.

Fostering strong relationships with neighbours through a local watch scheme can also help in identifying and reporting suspicious activity quickly. While the town is very safe, staying proactive about your property's security is the best way to maintain the high standards of safety found in Bovey Tracey. Ensuring that all outbuildings and garages are securely locked is particularly important for residents in this semi-rural setting.

Crime Patterns in Bovey Tracey

Crime in Bovey Tracey follows a distinct daily pattern. The afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) are the most active for theft-related offences, which account for 46% of crimes during this period. This often involves opportunistic theft from properties or outbuildings. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the focus shifts significantly towards 'other' offences, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 62% of reports.

The night-time period (12am-6am) has the lowest overall volume of crime but presents a higher relative risk for specific property crimes. During this period, burglary reaches its peak relative frequency at 25% of incidents, and vehicle crime also rises to 11%. Morning hours (6am-12pm) see a high percentage of theft (43%) as the town's businesses and schools activate. For residents, this data highlights that securing vehicles and properties overnight is essential, while being vigilant about property security during the afternoon is key to deterring opportunistic thieves.

In the local context, Bovey Tracey's crime rate of 34.1 is notably lower than the nearby urban hub of Newton Abbot (87.8) and the industrial area of Heathfield (58.7). It has a very similar safety profile to Chudleigh Knighton (30.7) and Coldeast (30.8). While it is higher than the tiny village of Lustleigh (0.0), Bovey Tracey remains one of the safest towns in the Teignbridge district, offering a secure residential environment that compares very favourably to larger Devon settlements.

For residents of Bovey Tracey, property protection is about preserving the town's high safety standards. While the property crime rate is very low at 8.4 per 1,000, it is always wise to be proactive. Traditional security cameras often only record a crime as it happens, which is of little comfort after a break-in.

scOS provides a superior alternative by using AI-powered proactive protection. It monitors your property boundary 24/7, using multi-camera intelligence to detect potential threats before they reach your home. The system is smart enough to recognise your family and regular visitors, ensuring you only receive alerts for genuine threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise. In a town like Bovey Tracey, this professional-grade deterrence is the most effective way to prevent crime and ensure your property remains a hard target for opportunistic thieves.