South Zeal Crime Rate

Crime statistics for South Zeal, West Devon, reveal a crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. The safety score of 94/100 further reinforces this perception. However, it's important to examine the specific types of crimes occurring and the recent trends to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local safety landscape. While the overall rate is low, understanding the nuances of crime types is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

The crime landscape in South Zeal, as reflected in data from January 2025 to December 2025, is characterised by a mix of offences. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 50% of the total (18 incidents). These are followed by other theft, which includes offences like shoplifting and bicycle theft, representing 19.4% of incidents (7 crimes). Criminal damage and arson account for 11.1% (4 crimes), highlighting concerns related to vandalism and property damage. Anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, and drug-related offences contribute smaller proportions to the overall crime picture. The specific nature of the violence and sexual offences reported is not detailed, but the prevalence of these incidents warrants attention. The relatively low number of vehicle crimes (2) might suggest that opportunistic theft from vehicles isn’t as significant a concern as other areas, but vigilance remains important.

Crime in South Zeal has experienced a significant decrease of -34.5% year-on-year, a positive development for residents. Examining the monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, but an overall downward trend. Months like January 2025 saw relatively low crime rates (0.6 per 1,000), while December 2025 recorded a slightly higher rate (3.6 per 1,000). The periods of February and March 2025 show a notable spike, followed by a return to lower rates in April 2025 (1.2 per 1,000). This variability underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance, even with a declining overall trend. The continuous decrease suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in South Zeal

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in South Zeal, prioritising personal safety is key. Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. Thirdly, secure your home and belongings properly, ensuring doors and windows are locked. Fourthly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – even seemingly minor incidents can be valuable in preventing future crimes. Finally, be cautious about sharing personal information online and be aware of potential scams and online threats.

Crimes in South Zeal tend to follow a pattern influenced by daily routines. Burglary is rare across all hours. Theft is most prevalent during afternoon commercial hours (12pm - 6pm), likely linked to retail activity. Vehicle crime shows a higher concentration overnight (12am - 6am), potentially reflecting opportunistic theft. Violence and sexual offences are more common during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends, which suggests a link to social activities and nightlife. This pattern highlights the importance of targeted safety measures throughout the day and night, especially during peak hours for specific crime types.

Comparing South Zeal's crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000 to neighbouring areas provides valuable context. Okehampton, with a rate of 78.6 per 1,000, experiences significantly higher crime. Chagford’s rate of 21.7 per 1,000 is nearly identical, suggesting a similar pattern of crime. North Tawton, at 38.6 per 1,000, also demonstrates a higher crime rate than South Zeal. Bow, with a rate of 24.0 per 1,000, is slightly higher, indicating that South Zeal generally benefits from a lower crime environment when compared to its surrounding communities. These comparisons highlight South Zeal's relative safety within West Devon.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred – a reactive measure. Reading crime statistics for South Zeal, which shows a concerning level of violence and sexual offences, can be unsettling. Consider a different approach. scOS offers proactive protection, utilising AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors all angles simultaneously, and the DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The system learns your family's routines and distinguishes genuine visitors from potential intruders. The autonomous response – lights activating, speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise, often deterring criminals within those critical first 60 seconds. It’s a shift from reacting to crime to preventing it altogether. While DIY systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS signals a serious commitment to home protection, particularly given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in the area.