TW: mention of rape.
Knife crime in Exeter has risen significantly in the last five years, according to data obtained by Exeposé.
A Freedom of Information request revealed 99 recorded offences in the first nine months of 2024, nearly double the amount for the whole of 2019.
The most common offences in 2024 were assault with injury (33), assault with intent to cause harm (24) and robbery of personal property (24). The data also records 5 sexual assaults, 2 rapes and 2 attempted murders.
Devon and Cornwall police say the data “is in line with a national increase seen with this crime type, but is much lower than in other areas of the country.”
While it’s true that knife crime is rising nationally, the increase in Exeter’s figures is still steep, with an 80% increase since 2019 compared to 2.4% nationally, though it should be noted that much smaller sample sizes inevitably lead to bigger percentage swings.
The area of the city with the highest concentration of knife crime is Sidwell Street, whose residents and business owners frequently complain of disorder and antisocial behaviour. Two years ago, Stephen Cook was stabbed to death on the street after an altercation with Brian Jewell.
The University said that “the safety and security of students is our highest priority.” It is a partner in the Exeter Community Safety Partnership which funds night time safety measures in the city centre, including increased CCTV and lighting.
There have been no recorded knife crime offences on Exeter University grounds since an assault with injury on Streatham campus in late 2022.
The Students’ Guild said, “the rising cases of knife crime in Exeter are deeply troubling, and we stand with all those who have been affected by this serious crime.”
Devon and Cornwall police added, “we would particularly like to remind young people that carrying a knife does NOT make them safer and that statistically 99% of young people do not carry a knife. Fewer than one in a 1000 people carry a knife in Devon and Cornwall.
We encourage anyone who has any information about knives, or concerns about someone carrying a knife, to please contact us via the Force website: dc.police.uk/tua.”
