Okehampton Crime Rate

Okehampton is a safe and active town with an overall crime rate of 75.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a solid safety score of 81/100. The town's crime trend is currently classified as stable, with a minor decrease of 1.1% over the past year. Property crime is also relatively low at 19.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These statistics reflect Okehampton's consistent community safety and effective local security. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics, timing, and trends to help residents and visitors understand the safety dynamics of the area.

Crime in Okehampton

In Okehampton, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 46.1% of all recorded incidents (335 cases). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.6% and criminal damage and arson at 9.6%. These figures indicate that while personal safety and public order are the primary focus for local law enforcement, the overall crime rate remains below the national average.

Property crime in Okehampton, including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Specifically, there were 18 burglaries and 17 vehicle crimes recorded over the past year. While these numbers are relatively low, the presence of shoplifting (5.0%) and 'other theft' (5.4%) suggests that opportunistic crime is a factor in the town's commercial and residential areas. Residents and business owners should maintain good security practices, as property-related offences account for nearly a fifth of all local crime. Ensuring that homes and vehicles are properly secured is essential to keeping these figures low.

Crime Trends in Okehampton

Okehampton has maintained a stable safety profile over the past year, with total crime showing a minor decrease of 1.1% year-over-year. This indicates that the town is not experiencing significant volatility in its crime levels.

Looking at the monthly trendData, Okehampton started late 2024 with a crime rate of 4.4 in November and December. There was a significant spike in January 2025, where the rate rose to 9.0, followed by another high of 8.7 in July and 8.3 in August. These peaks may be related to seasonal factors or specific local events. However, the rates in other months, such as 4.8 in May and 5.2 in June, show a more typical pattern. The overall stability in crime figures over the last twelve months demonstrates that Okehampton remains a secure and reliable place for its residents and business owners.

How To Keep Safe in Okehampton

The most common crime in Okehampton is violence and sexual offences, representing 46.1% of all recorded incidents. While the town is safe, personal awareness is always beneficial. When walking through the town centre or residential streets, particularly after dark, sticking to well-lit routes and being aware of your surroundings can enhance your personal security.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (17.6%). Residents can help manage this by reporting any incidents to the local council or police, which helps in the effective allocation of community wardens and patrols. In Okehampton's commercial areas, keeping a close eye on personal belongings can prevent opportunistic thefts, which tend to peak during busy shopping hours in the afternoon.

Given that vehicle crime and burglary peak during the night-time hours, it is vital to ensure that all vehicles are locked and that valuables are removed from sight. Using a well-lit driveway or a garage if available can further deter potential thieves. For homeowners, ensuring that side gates are locked and that outdoor security lighting is functional will provide an extra layer of protection during the hours when property crime is most likely to occur.

Crime Timing in Okehampton

Crime in Okehampton follows a predictable daily cycle. The busiest period for criminal activity is the afternoon (12pm to 6pm), which accounts for a significant portion of the town's theft and shoplifting offences (46%). This period coincides with the highest footfall in retail and commercial zones. The evening hours (6pm to 12am) also see steady activity, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences becoming more prevalent.

During the late-night and early morning hours (12am to 6am), the overall volume of crime drops, but the nature of the offences changes. Vehicle crime reaches its peak during this time, accounting for 26% of all incidents, while burglary remains a steady threat at 17%. In contrast, the morning hours (6am to 12pm) are relatively quiet, although they still experience a fair amount of theft (41%). Residents should be particularly mindful of property and vehicle security overnight to mitigate these specific risks.

Okehampton serves as a regional hub in West Devon, and its crime profile reflects this activity. While it has a higher crime rate (75.6) than smaller rural neighbours like South Zeal (21.0) or North Tawton (39.1), it remains a safe and secure choice compared to larger urban centres. It is also more active than Hatherleigh (48.9) but offers more amenities and services. For those seeking a balance between a functional town environment and a high degree of safety, Okehampton provides a secure and stable setting that compares favourably to the wider national context.

Protecting Your Property in Okehampton

With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents, Okehampton is a safe town, but property owners should remain aware of opportunistic crime. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or simple alarms, are often reactive. They notify you after an incident has occurred or provide footage of a crime that has already taken place. In many cases, this does little to prevent loss or damage.

For true protection, homeowners in Okehampton should consider proactive AI-driven systems like scOS. By monitoring the perimeter of your property in real-time, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they even reach the building. Features like autonomous lighting and audio alerts can deter a criminal before they attempt a break-in, while DVLA vehicle verification can flag suspicious cars on your street. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just monitored, but actively protected. In an area where shoplifting and other thefts are present, preventing the crime is always superior to recording it.