Newton Abbot Crime Rate

Newton Abbot is a major market town in Teignbridge with a safety score of 79/100, matching the UK national average. The town's overall crime rate stands at 87.8 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Newton Abbot is stable, with only a 2.1% change year-over-year. As the primary commercial and transport hub for the district, the town naturally experiences higher levels of activity than surrounding rural areas, yet it remains a statistically safe place for its 30,852 residents. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, time patterns, and local comparisons to help you understand the safety of the area.

Crime Breakdown in Newton Abbot

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported incidents in Newton Abbot, totalling 1,138 crimes or 36.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.6 per 1,000 and shoplifting at 8.3 per 1,000. These three categories represent the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Newton Abbot, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.3. Within this group, shoplifting and criminal damage are the most prevalent. Residential burglary is relatively rare, with only 2.0 incidents per 1,000 people, and vehicle crime is also low at 1.7 per 1,000. For residents, this indicates that while the town is generally safe, the concentration of retail-related theft and anti-social behaviour in the town centre means that property security should remain a priority for those living near commercial areas.

Crime Trends in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 2.1% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the town's residents, with no major surges in criminal activity.

Looking at the monthly trendData from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated between a low of 6.6 in January and a peak of 8.1 in June. The first half of the year showed a gradual upward trend, rising from 6.7 in December to the June high. This was followed by a sustained period of higher activity throughout the summer months (7.7 in July and August), which then began to decline in the autumn, reaching 6.9 by November. This seasonal pattern is typical for a major town in a tourist-influenced region like Teignbridge, where increased footfall during the warmer months often leads to a temporary rise in reported incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Newton Abbot

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Newton Abbot, often concentrated around the town centre and transport links. To stay safe, it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when using the railway station or navigating the high street during busy periods.

When walking through the town at night, stick to well-lit main thoroughfares and avoid poorly lit car parks or alleyways. If you are out for the evening, planning your transport in advance and staying with a group can significantly enhance your personal security.

In residential areas, be mindful of the higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that any side gates are securely locked. For those living near the town centre, shoplifting and theft are more frequent, so keeping valuables out of sight in your vehicle and ensuring your home's front entry is secure are important steps. Joining a local neighbourhood watch or using community safety apps can also keep you informed of any specific local issues.

Crime Patterns in Newton Abbot

Analysis of crime timing in Newton Abbot reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is a peak period for theft-related offences, which make up 51% of crimes during these hours, largely driven by shoplifting in the town's retail areas. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts, with 'other' offences—including anti-social behaviour and public order incidents—rising to 59% of reports.

The night-time hours (12am-6am) see the lowest overall volume of crime, but the risk profile changes significantly. During this period, vehicle crime reaches its highest relative frequency at 23% of incidents, and burglary also peaks at 17%. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a resurgence in theft as businesses open. For residents, this suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in commercial areas is most important during the busy afternoon shopping hours.

Newton Abbot serves as the central hub for several smaller settlements, and its crime rate of 87.8 reflects its status as a commercial centre. In comparison, nearby Kingsteignton has a lower rate of 52.4 per 1,000, while more rural neighbours like Abbotskerswell (19.7) and East Ogwell or Denbury (both 0.0) are significantly quieter. For those considering the region, Newton Abbot offers the most amenities and transport links, but this comes with the higher incident rates typical of a town centre. However, when compared to larger Devon cities, Newton Abbot remains a relatively secure and stable urban environment.

For residents of Newton Abbot, property protection is about staying one step ahead of opportunistic crime. With a property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000, standard security like Ring or Nest cameras might record a crime, but they rarely prevent it. scOS offers a more advanced approach by using AI to provide proactive protection.

The system watches your property boundary in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they reach your home. scOS is designed to recognise your family and routines, ensuring you aren't bothered by false alerts, but it acts instantly if an intruder is detected. By autonomously activating lights or speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This professional-grade deterrence is particularly effective in Newton Abbot, where visible, intelligent security can convince a criminal to move on to an easier target before they even touch your property.