Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Exeter: 11 Areas to Consider Before Choosing Student Accommodation

Exeter is often viewed as one of the safer university cities in the UK, but that does not mean every neighbourhood experiences the same level of safety. While the city attracts thousands of students every year because of the University of Exeter, some districts report noticeably higher levels of crime, antisocial behaviour, theft, and public order offences than others. Recent police data shows that Exeter crime levels remain above several nearby Devon locations, with the city recording around 119 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violence and sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and theft remain among the most reported categories of crime in Exeter. For students searching for student accommodation in Exeter near campus, understanding the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter can help avoid costly mistakes. Although several students enjoy a luxurious life across the city, some areas always come up in discussions about places to avoid in Exeter.

Where Does Most Crime in Exeter Happen?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Exeter is that crime is evenly spread across the city. In reality, crime rates vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood. Crime statistics from police reveal that St David’s, Newtown & St Leonard’s, Priory, St Loyes, and some areas of St Thomas have higher rates of criminal activity than safe areas such as Pennsylvania and Heavitree. The potentially dangerous zones in Exeter may include the following increased cases of: Violence and sexual assault, Anti-social behavior, Shoplifting, Public order disputes, Bicycles being stolen, Drug-related crimes. To students, such dangers may be more pronounced during evenings. Let’s go through each of these areas one by one: 

1. St David's

Crime Rate: 393 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~8,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, theft
Peak Caution Hours: 9 PM–3 AM
Student Risk Level: Very High
Safer Property: The Kingfisher Exeter (secure entry, CCTV, study lounges, communal spaces, laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi)

St David's is one of the most crime-ridden parts of Exeter because there are almost four crimes committed per ten people per year. This figure is significantly above both the Exeter and Devon averages, which is why the ward consistently appears in discussions about the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter. A majority of the reported crimes arise from violence and sexual crimes, followed by theft and antisocial behavior. The fact that this neighborhood is located near the Exeter St David's railway station plays a major role in the number of crimes in the area, due to commuter activity, tourism, nightlife, and a transient population at all times of the day. As for students, although there have been no reports of serious violent crimes in this neighborhood, crimes involving opportunistic acts such as mobile theft, bike theft, and public disorderly conduct in the transport area are more common. 

2. Newtown & St Leonard's

Crime Rate: 143 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~13,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, public order offences, theft, bicycle crime
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–2 AM
Student Risk Level: High
Safer Property: Clifford House Exeter (secure key access, study rooms, communal lounge, laundry, Wi-Fi, bike storage)

Newtown and St. Leonard's may be considered one of the more attractive central neighbourhoods within Exeter, although the statistics of criminal offences put it among those wards with a high incidence of Exeter crime. This location has a rate of crime that is about 20% above the average rate of crime in Exeter, which may come as a surprise to many students who come to the city. Being located near the centre of the city, having many student residences in the neighborhood and having many bars and pubs makes theft and public order crimes prevalent. Bicycles are a common target for thefts because of the presence of many cycling students. This is particularly relevant for students returning from city-centre venues after midnight. 

3. Priory

Crime Rate: 123 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~11,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, criminal damage
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–1 AM
Student Risk Level: High
Safer Property: Exeter One (secure access, study spaces, gym, communal areas, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities)

Priory consistently records crime levels above many residential parts of Exeter, which is why it regularly appears in discussions about the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter. Although it does not suffer from as much criminal activity as St David's, the ward still sees many crimes committed against persons due to their violent and antisocial nature. The primary reason why Priory ranks highly on local crime reports in Exeter is because it is home to both a residential neighbourhood as well as businesses. Places that have high pedestrian traffic will naturally attract more crimes, especially theft and public order issues. Violent crimes and sexual offences also contribute a fair amount towards crime reports in this area, putting it at a much higher level than other nearby wards. The most common dangers for students living in this ward usually arise from night-time movement rather than daytime activities. Criminal activity tends to occur during nighttime hours, when pubs, nightlife, and central city activities begin.

4. St Loyes

Crime Rate: 135 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~10,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, criminal damage, antisocial behaviour, theft
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–12 AM
Student Risk Level: High
Safer Property: Iron Bridge Studios Exeter (secure key entry, study lounges, communal kitchen, laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi)

St Loyes is frequently included among the areas of Exeter to avoid when discussing crime statistics alone. The ward records crime levels noticeably above Exeter's overall average and regularly appears in police reports covering violent incidents, criminal damage, and antisocial behaviour. A large share of the crime in Exeter reported within St Loyes involves neighbourhood-related offences rather than city-centre nightlife crime. Antisocial behavior and criminal damage are some of the percentages of the crime occurrences that have helped shape St Loyes’ image with the locals. For the university students, St Loyes is not as popular as other places near the University of Exeter. The lack of some of the facilities available in other parts of the city makes students avoid St Loyes. 

5. St Thomas

Crime Rate: 105 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~15,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Theft, antisocial behaviour, burglary, public-order offences
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–1 AM
Student Risk Level: Moderate to High
Safer Property: Northernhay House Exeter (24/7 security, secure access, study spaces, communal lounge, laundry, Wi-Fi)

St Thomas is one of the most debated neighbourhoods when discussing the worst areas in Exeter. While some members of the community find it to be convenient, community-oriented, and connected, others base their opinions on high crime rates in comparison to other neighbourhoods in the city. Crime rates in this ward are higher than those of other safe Exeter communities. There is a lot of thievery and anti-social behaviour taking place, as well as burglary and public order offences. Unlike city-centre wards, however, much of the crime in St Thomas is residential rather than nightlife-related. Transport links and low rent are advantages that the majority of students find appealing about this location; however, theft is always a potential issue among students. Since many students use bicycles to travel to and from college, security measures have to be implemented. 

6. Exwick

Crime Rate: 74.2 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~11,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, shoplifting, antisocial behaviour
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–12 AM
Student Risk Level: Moderate
Safer Property: Walnut Gardens Exeter (secure entry, study rooms, communal spaces, laundry, Wi-Fi, bike storage)

Compared with some of the other dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter, Exwick records a lower crime rate, but it still appears in local discussions because of recurring antisocial behaviour and public-order concerns. This area reports roughly 74 crimes per thousand people each year, putting it below other wards like St David's, Priory, and St Loyes. Nonetheless, cases of violent crime and sexual offences represent a significant part of crime in this ward. Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour are components that contribute to the city's crime statistics. The main draw of Exwick for students, apart from the availability of  Exeter University student accommodation, is the area’s peaceful environment and its relatively low crime rate. This is because the criminal incidents in the area have nothing to do with nightclubs but instead result from the community problems of the locality.

7. Heavitree

Crime Rate: ~69 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~13,500 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Theft, antisocial behaviour, violence & sexual offences
Peak Caution Hours: 7 PM–11 PM
Student Risk Level: Moderate
Safer Property: Clifford House Exeter (secure key access, study spaces, communal lounge, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi)

Heavitree is generally viewed as one of the more stable residential districts in Exeter, but it still contributes to discussions around crime in Exeter because of persistent theft and antisocial behaviour reports. Notwithstanding that St David’s and Priory tend to show higher crime rates compared to others, Heavitree is not one of the worst areas in Exeter characterised by high levels of criminality. Indeed, property and vehicle offenses are always a problem in this locality; nevertheless, due to the proximity of Heavitree to business centers and public transport facilities, crime rates here are expectedly higher than elsewhere. Heavitree is an area that attracts students due to both low cost and safety.

8. Alphington

Crime Rate: ~63 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~8,500 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Antisocial behaviour, theft, criminal damage
Peak Caution Hours: 7 PM–11 PM
Student Risk Level: Moderate
Safer Property: The Kingfisher Exeter (secure entry, CCTV, study lounges, communal spaces, laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi)

Alphington is not normally one of the worst areas in Exeter for its high crime levels, although it is still considered worse off than certain other villages of Devon in terms of crime figures. Antisocial behaviour and burglary still make up the largest percentage of problems. In terms of criminal activity in Alphington, there is usually an issue of community crimes and not night-time crimes, as seen in central Exeter. While students don’t have too many problems in terms of public disorder, other types of crimes can happen.

9. Pinhoe

Crime Rate: ~60 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~11,500 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Theft, vehicle crime, antisocial behaviour
Peak Caution Hours: 7 PM–10 PM
Student Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Safer Property: Exeter One (secure access, gym, study areas, communal lounge, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities)

Unlike most dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter, Pinhoe records lower rates of crimes when compared with many of the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter, although it is responsible for contributing to the crime statistics in Exeter through cases of burglary and vehicle crime. Pinhoe is not normally seen by students as one of the neighbourhoods that is among the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter, except when occasional cases arise regarding theft and burglary. When compared with other wards within Exeter, Pinhoe records less number of public order offences.

10. Whipton

Crime Rate: ~82 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~9,000 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Violence & sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, criminal damage
Peak Caution Hours: 8 PM–12 AM
Student Risk Level: Moderate
Safer Property: Iron Bridge Studios Exeter (secure entry, study lounges, communal kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi)

Whipton may be mentioned now and then when talking about the worst areas in Exeter, especially due to the high incidence of antisocial behavior and violence compared to other surrounding wards. Even though its level of crime is not as high as that recorded within St David’s and Priory, Whipton still records more crimes than other safe residential areas. Students thinking of residing in the area usually consider safety issues first.

11. Mincinglake

Crime Rate: ~58 crimes per 1,000 residents
Population: ~7,500 residents
Most Reported Crimes: Theft, antisocial behaviour, vehicle crime
Peak Caution Hours: 7 PM–10 PM
Student Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Safer Property: Northernhay House Exeter (24/7 security, secure access, study spaces, communal lounge, laundry, Wi-Fi)

Mincinglake has one of the lowest rates of crime of all locations mentioned in this guide; nevertheless, it adds to broader debates about crime in Exeter. Thefts and antisocial behaviour continue to be the most frequently reported crimes, and violent crimes are not so prevalent in Mincinglake compared with many other central wards. Mincinglake is not considered one of the worst neighbourhoods by students in Exeter, and research on the specific streets and accommodations could be beneficial. Those looking for a quiet location yet still close to the city should consider Mincinglake.

Understanding the dangerous neighbourhoods in Exeter can help students make more informed housing decisions before moving to the city. While Exeter is generally considered safer than many larger university cities in the UK, crime in Exeter is not evenly distributed across all neighbourhoods. Areas such as St David's, Newtown & St Leonard's, Priory, St Loyes, and St Thomas consistently record higher crime rates than many other parts of the city, particularly for violence, antisocial behaviour, theft, and public-order offences. However, being listed among the dangerous parts of Exeter does not mean these neighbourhoods should automatically be ruled out. For many students, living in such places does not cause any issues. However, it comes down to being familiar with the pattern of criminal activities in that location, finding proper accommodation, and staying aware of one's environment especially when traveling around at night time. For students seeking student accommodation in Exeter, it is necessary to consider factors beyond rental cost and proximity to campus. Examining crime statistics, public transport accessibility, security facilities, and community reputation will lead to better student accommodation. After all, finding a place where one can afford to live, commute to classes easily and feel safe is the optimal solution.

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