South Zeal Crime Rate

South Zeal is an exceptionally safe village with an overall crime rate of just 21.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the village a high safety score of 95/100. The crime trend is notably positive, with a 28.6% decrease in recorded incidents over the past year. Property crime is also very low at 8.4 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. This data reflects the peaceful and secure nature of the South Zeal community. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime types, timing, and trends to help you understand the local safety profile.

Crime in South Zeal

In South Zeal, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 42.9% of all recorded incidents (15 cases). This is followed by 'other theft' at 20.0% and criminal damage and arson, burglary, and anti-social behaviour, all at 8.6%. These figures reflect a very low-volume crime environment, where a small number of incidents can represent a large percentage of the total.

Property crime in South Zeal occurs at a rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This includes only 3 burglaries and 1 vehicle crime recorded over the past year. For residents, this indicates a very high level of security for homes and personal assets. Specifically, 'other theft' accounts for 20.0% of total crime, suggesting that opportunistic theft is the primary property-related concern. Maintaining basic home security is a wise precaution to keep these figures low and deter potential offenders. Ensuring that homes and vehicles are properly secured is essential to maintaining the area's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in South Zeal

South Zeal has seen a significant improvement in its safety profile over the past year, with total crime dropping by 28.6%. This sharp downward trend reinforces the area's reputation as one of the safest villages in the region.

The monthly trendData for 2024 and 2025 shows that the crime rate has remained consistently low, often fluctuating between 0.6 and 4.2 per 1,000 residents. The year began with a rate of 0.6 in November 2024 and reached a high of 4.2 in March 2025. There were several months, including May, September, and October 2025, where the rate was as low as 0.6. These small variations are typical for low-volume villages where even a few incidents can impact the monthly rate. Despite these occasional fluctuations, the overall trend is one of significant improvement. South Zeal remains a very secure place to live, with a low overall frequency of criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in South Zeal

The most common crime in South Zeal is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 42.9% 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 the village or surrounding countryside, 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 (20.0%). Residents can contribute to a safer community by reporting any such incidents to the local authorities, which helps in the effective deployment of community policing. In the village's public areas, staying aware of your surroundings and keeping personal items secure can help prevent the small number of opportunistic thefts that do occur.

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 South Zeal is known for. Using motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home can also help discourage unwanted visitors after dark. By maintaining these basic security habits, residents can help preserve South Zeal’s reputation as one of the safest places in the country.

Crime Timing in South Zeal

Crime in South Zeal 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, theft-related offences are the dominant crime type, accounting for 66% of incidents. This suggests that opportunistic thefts 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 burglary, which accounts for 36% of all incidents during this time. Vehicle crime also maintains a steady presence at 19% during the night. 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. No violence was recorded during any time period.

South Zeal is part of a very safe cluster of villages in West Devon. Its crime rate of 21.0 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the nearby town of Okehampton (75.6) and larger settlements like North Tawton (39.1). It is also safer than nearby Bow (21.8) and compares favourably to Chagford (18.4). For those looking for a safe and community-focused village life, South Zeal provides a secure and stable setting that is a benchmark for village security in the county. It offers a level of safety that is among the best in the region.

Protecting Your Property in South Zeal

While the property crime rate in South Zeal is exceptionally low at 8.4 per 1,000 residents, the quiet nature of the village can make homes targets for opportunistic theft. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has happened, which is of limited use in a close-knit community where prevention is the priority. For these properties, proactive protection 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 village lanes. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just monitored, but actively protected. In an area as safe as South Zeal, 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.