West Devon Crime Rate

West Devon is one of the safest local authority districts in the United Kingdom, boasting an overall crime rate of just 45.4 per 1,000 people. This is less than half the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 89/100. The district is also seeing a positive trend in safety, with crime rates decreasing by 6.2% year-over-year. This combination of low crime volume and a declining trend makes West Devon an exceptionally secure place to live and work. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported issues, the actual number of incidents remains very low, and property crime is remarkably rare. For residents, these statistics confirm the district's reputation as a peaceful, low-risk rural haven.

About West Devon

West Devon is a predominantly rural and picturesque district in the South West of England, characterized by the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor National Park and several historic market towns, including Tavistock and Okehampton. The area is known for its low population density and high quality of life, which are significant factors in its exceptionally low crime rates. The economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and small-scale local businesses, which typically foster a stable and close-knit community.

The geographical nature of West Devon, with its vast open spaces and small, dispersed settlements, makes it a difficult environment for large-scale criminal activity. However, the influx of tourists during the summer months can lead to a slight increase in opportunistic crimes and anti-social behaviour in popular visitor spots. The district’s demographic is generally older and more settled, which contributes to a lower incidence of the urban-style crimes seen in neighbouring cities like Plymouth or Exeter. These factors combined make West Devon one of the safest local authority districts in the UK, with a crime profile that is heavily weighted toward interpersonal offences rather than organized property crime.

Crime in West Devon

Crime in West Devon is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.9% of all reported incidents (1,227 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.9% and criminal damage and arson at 10.1%. These categories reflect the typical crime profile of a rural area where public order and interpersonal disputes are more common than professionalized theft.

Property crime in West Devon—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 12.5 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is particularly rare, accounting for just 3.3% of total crime (1.5 per 1,000 people), while vehicle crime is even lower at 2.5%. Other theft makes up 7.7% of reports. For residents, these statistics indicate that while the general risk of property crime is very low, criminal damage is the most persistent property-related concern. Homeowners and business owners in the district enjoy a high level of security, but maintaining basic precautions against opportunistic vandalism and theft remains sensible in this quiet rural setting.

Crime Trends in West Devon

West Devon is currently benefiting from a decreasing crime trend, with total reported incidents falling by 6.2% year-over-year. This reduction reinforces the district's status as one of the safest areas in the UK. According to the monthly trendData, the crime rate remained very low throughout the year, fluctuating between 3.1 and 4.7 per 1,000 people.

Interestingly, the highest peaks occurred in July and October 2025, both reaching 4.7 per 1,000. The July peak likely corresponds with the peak tourism season, while the October spike may be related to seasonal events. Despite these minor fluctuations, the overall crime rate never exceeded 5.0 per 1,000 in any given month, which is an exceptionally low baseline. For residents, this consistent and declining trend indicates a very stable and secure environment where the risk of criminal activity remains minimal year-round.

In the context of the South West, West Devon’s crime rate of 45.4 per 1,000 people is exceptionally low, yet it appears higher than its immediate neighbours in current reports. Areas such as Teignbridge, Plymouth, Torridge, South Hams, Exeter, and Mid Devon are all currently reporting crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000. While these neighbours show statistically zero activity in the current period, West Devon’s own rate is still among the lowest in the country. It serves as a very safe rural district, and even when compared to the (likely under-reported) zeros of its neighbours, it remains an area of incredibly high safety and low criminal activity.

Protecting Your Property in West Devon

With a property crime rate of only 12.5 per 1,000 people, West Devon is one of the most secure districts in the country. However, the rural nature of the area can mean that properties—especially those in isolated locations—are more vulnerable if they are targeted. In these settings, traditional security systems that only record footage are of limited use, as police response times to remote areas can be longer. For West Devon residents, the focus should be on proactive deterrence.

The scOS operating system provides exactly this type of protection. Using AI-driven multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors the boundaries of your property and identifies potential threats in real-time. If an unauthorised person enters your grounds, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audio warnings. This creates an immediate "element of surprise" that stops a crime before it starts. For a homeowner in West Devon, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your security system isn't just watching a burglary happen—it's actively preventing it. This proactive approach is the most effective way to protect high-value rural properties and outbuildings from opportunistic theft or criminal damage.

How To Keep Safe in West Devon

The most common crime in West Devon is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 45.9% of all reported incidents. Although the total number of cases is low compared to other regions, personal safety remains a key consideration for residents and visitors alike.

To stay safe in West Devon, we recommend the following:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking in isolated rural areas or on Dartmoor, especially as daylight fades. Always let someone know your planned route.
• In market towns like Tavistock and Okehampton, stick to well-lit areas during the evening and be mindful of your personal belongings in busy areas.
• With criminal damage and arson being the third most common crime (10.1%), ensure your property is well-maintained and that any external lighting is in good working order to deter opportunistic vandalism.
• Business owners in rural areas should consider joining local farm watch or business watch schemes to stay informed about suspicious activity in the region.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps them maintain the high levels of safety that West Devon is known for.