Rural West Devon Crime Rate

Rural West Devon is an exceptionally safe area, characterised by an overall crime rate of just 30.7 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area a high safety score of 92/100. The crime trend is notably positive, with a 16.7% decrease in recorded incidents over the past year. Property crime is also very low at 8.6 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. This data reflects the peaceful and secure nature of the rural communities in this part of Devon. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime types, timing, and trends to help you understand the local safety profile.

Crime in Rural West Devon

The crime statistics for Rural West Devon show that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent category, making up 49.3% of all recorded incidents (182 cases). This is followed by 'other theft' at 10.3% and anti-social behaviour at 10.0%. These figures are characteristic of a very low-crime rural environment, where the total number of incidents is small, and most reported crimes are interpersonal or minor public order issues.

Property crime in Rural West Devon occurs at an exceptionally low rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents, which is less than a third of the UK average of 32.9. This includes only 17 burglaries and 9 vehicle crimes recorded over the entire year. For residents, this indicates a very high level of security for homes and personal assets. However, the prevalence of 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic stealing, perhaps from outbuildings or gardens, is the primary property-related concern. While the risk is minimal, maintaining basic security measures is still advisable to protect against the few opportunistic offences that occur in this otherwise very safe area.

Crime Trends in Rural West Devon

Rural West Devon has seen a significant improvement in its safety profile over the past year, with total crime dropping by 16.7%. This substantial decrease reinforces the area's reputation as one of the safest parts of the district.

The monthly trendData for 2024 and 2025 shows that the crime rate has remained consistently low, often fluctuating between 1.7 and 3.2 per 1,000 residents. The year began with a rate of 2.3 in November 2024 and reached a low of 1.7 in February 2025. There was a slight increase in the summer months, with a peak of 3.2 in June, followed by another peak of 3.2 in October 2025. These small variations are typical for low-volume rural areas where even a few incidents can impact the monthly rate. However, the overall downward trajectory is a clear sign that Rural West Devon remains an exceptionally secure place to live, with a decreasing frequency of criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Rural West Devon

The most common crime in Rural West Devon is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 49.3% of incidents. While the overall volume of crime is very low, it is always wise to be aware of your personal safety. When walking in remote areas, carrying a charged mobile phone and informing someone of your intended route are simple but effective precautions.

'Other theft' is the second most common crime (10.3%), often involving the theft of items from gardens, outbuildings, or farmyards. To mitigate this, ensure that all expensive equipment, tools, and bicycles are stored out of sight and in locked buildings. Marking your property with a forensic marking kit can also deter thieves and help recover items if they are stolen.

Anti-social behaviour accounts for 10.0% of local crime. Reporting any such incidents to the local police helps them understand where to focus their rural patrols. Finally, given that burglary and vehicle crime peak during the night-time hours, make it a habit to double-check that all doors, windows, and vehicle locks are secure before going to bed. These small actions help maintain the high level of safety that Rural West Devon is known for.

Crime Timing in Rural West Devon

Crime in Rural West Devon follows a pattern that is closely tied to daylight and property activity. The most frequent times for crime are the morning (6am to 12pm) and afternoon (12pm to 6pm). During these periods, 'other theft' is the dominant crime type, accounting for over 50% of incidents. This suggests that opportunistic thefts from gardens and outbuildings often occur during the day when residents may be busy or away from the house.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm to 12am) and night (12am to 6am), the overall volume of crime decreases, but the risk of specific property offences increases. Night-time is the peak period for both burglary (25%) and vehicle crime (22%). This indicates that criminals in rural areas often wait for the cover of darkness to target homes and vehicles. Conversely, the early morning hours are the quietest, with very little recorded activity. Residents should focus their security efforts on securing outbuildings during the day and ensuring home and vehicle locks are engaged overnight.

Rural West Devon is the safest tier of settlement in the region. Its crime rate of 30.7 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the more urbanised parts of the district, such as Tavistock (60.7) and Okehampton (75.6). It also compares favourably to smaller settlements like Horrabridge (36.9) and North Tawton (39.1). For those seeking the highest level of security and a tranquil lifestyle, Rural West Devon offers a level of safety that is among the best in the South West. Its low crime density makes it a benchmark for rural security in the county.

Protecting Your Property in Rural West Devon

While the property crime rate in Rural West Devon is very low at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, the isolated nature of many homes can make them targets for opportunistic theft. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has happened, which is of limited use in remote areas where a swift response is harder to achieve. For these properties, proactive prevention is the most effective strategy.

AI-powered security systems like scOS are designed for this kind of environment. By monitoring the property boundary in real-time, scOS can detect an intruder before they even reach the building. Features like autonomous lighting and audio alerts can scare off a potential thief immediately, while DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious cars on remote lanes. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just monitored, but actively protected. In an area as safe as Rural West Devon, the goal is to maintain that security by ensuring your property is never seen as an easy opportunity for the few criminals that do operate.