Hatherleigh Crime Rate

Hatherleigh, a built-up area within West Devon, recorded a crime rate of 50.5 per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall safety score for Hatherleigh is a respectable 87 out of 100, reflecting a safer environment compared to the national average of 79, a closer examination of the types of crimes reported is important. The most frequent incidents involve violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and drug-related crimes, highlighting areas where targeted interventions may be beneficial. Overall, the trend shows a slight stability in crime rates.

The crime landscape in Hatherleigh is shaped by its close-knit community and rural setting. While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, specific issues warrant attention. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 52.0% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (11.4%), and drug-related offences (8.9%). The presence of a small town centre and surrounding agricultural land likely contribute to these patterns, with potential issues related to public order and rural crime. The relatively low incidence of burglary (4.1%) suggests a degree of community cohesion and vigilance, although targeted prevention remains important. Understanding these nuances is key to addressing crime effectively in Hatherleigh.

Crime rates in Hatherleigh have remained stable, showing a decrease of 3.1% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period from January 2025 to December 2025. Notably, March 2025 saw a spike in crime rates (6.6 per 1,000/month), followed by a relative lull in April (2.9 per 1,000/month). June and August also experienced elevated rates (6.6 and 4.1 per 1,000/month, respectively), suggesting seasonal patterns or specific local events influencing criminal activity. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a stable crime environment, though ongoing vigilance is essential.

How To Keep Safe in Hatherleigh

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Hatherleigh, it’s crucial to be vigilant. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community cohesion and share safety information. Thirdly, secure your property with robust locks and consider installing motion-sensor lighting. Fourthly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and avoid confrontation, reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Criminal activity in Hatherleigh demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most commonly reported during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 24% of incidents. Theft is also prevalent during these commercial hours, representing 40% of reported thefts. Vehicle crime tends to be higher during the night (12am - 6am), indicating a potential vulnerability during those hours. While violence is less frequent, it tends to peak in the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly during weekend nights.

Hatherleigh's crime statistics present a stark contrast to its immediate neighbours. Petrockstowe and Northlew have reported no crimes, while Dolton also mirrors this low crime environment. Winkleigh, however, demonstrates a higher crime rate of 42.4 per 1,000, suggesting that Hatherleigh’s crime levels are comparatively moderate within the surrounding area. These disparities likely reflect variations in population density, local economies, and community characteristics.

Traditional CCTV systems provide valuable footage after a crime has occurred. However, in an area like Hatherleigh, where violence and anti-social behaviour are prevalent, a proactive approach to security is vital. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Its AI-powered system detects potential threats at your property boundary – a vehicle circling repeatedly, an unfamiliar person approaching – long before a break-in occurs. The multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors your property, eliminating blind spots, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible presence of scOS serves as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential offenders to move on before any crime is committed. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively preventing threats at your property line is another.