Moretonhampstead Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Moretonhampstead, Devon, reveal a concerning picture. With an annual crime rate of 53.8 per 1,000 residents as of December 2025, the area experiences a higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the safety score sits at a respectable 84/100, indicating a relatively safe environment, the significant increase of 80.8% year-on-year demands attention. Understanding these trends and their underlying causes is crucial for implementing effective preventative measures and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Moretonhampstead's residents. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, emerging trends, and practical advice for personal safety.

Moretonhampstead’s crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and Sexual Offences dominating reports. In December 2025, this category accounted for 59 of the total 132 reported crimes, representing 62.8% of incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed with 10 recorded incidents, while Other Theft, Public Order offences, and Criminal Damage & Arson each had 5 reported crimes. Vehicle crime remains relatively low with only 2 incidents, and Burglary shows a similarly low number. The overall property crime rate stands at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that, while not dramatically high, warrants attention given the broader trend of increasing crime. Understanding the localised factors contributing to these figures, such as the town's historical significance and potential transient population, is crucial for targeted preventative measures.

The starkest aspect of Moretonhampstead’s crime statistics is the significant upward trend observed between January 2025 and December 2025. Crime has increased by a substantial 80.8% year-on-year. Looking at the monthly data, a concerning spike is evident in February 2025 (5.2 per 1,000), followed by a peak in June 2025 (8.6 per 1,000). While rates fluctuated throughout the year, even the lowest recorded rate in April (2.3 per 1,000) remains considerably above baseline levels. The final month of December 2025 saw a rate of 3.4 per 1,000. This consistent and substantial increase demands immediate attention and targeted interventions to mitigate the escalating risk to the community.

How To Keep Safe in Moretonhampstead

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. Due to the rise in Anti-social Behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. Secure your property with robust locks and consider an alarm system. Finally, be vigilant regarding Vehicle Crime; avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in your car and park in well-lit areas whenever possible.

Criminal activity in Moretonhampstead displays a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 20% of incidents, while Vehicle Crime is also relatively elevated during this period, comprising 31% of incidents. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) sees a peak in Theft, representing 60% of incidents. The evening (6pm - 12am) shows a shift with Other Theft remaining significant at 30%, while Vehicle Crime rises to 11%. This suggests a need for increased vigilance during nighttime hours and during peak commercial activity.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Moretonhampstead’s crime rate is notably higher. Chagford has a rate of 21.7 per 1,000, while Lustleigh and Cheriton Bishop report significantly lower rates of 0.0 per 1,000. Christow also shows a very low rate of 0.0 per 1,000. This disparity highlights that while Moretonhampstead isn't inherently dangerous, its crime levels are a point of concern compared to its surrounding rural communities. These differences likely stem from variations in population density, local economic factors, and community dynamics.

Traditional CCTV systems can provide recordings of incidents, but they offer a reactive response. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS offers a proactive approach, utilising AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA database, and learns your family's routines to filter out normal activity. The visible presence of scOS and its autonomous response – activating lights and speakers to deter intruders – can make that crucial 60-second decision easy for potential burglars: they move on. If you’re serious about protecting your home in Moretonhampstead, considering a system that prevents crime, rather than just recording it, is a worthwhile investment.