Plymouth Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Plymouth

Plymouth's crime rate currently stands at 110.6 per 1,000 people per year, indicating a higher incidence of crime compared to the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The city records a safety score of 74 out of 100, which is marginally below the UK average safety score of 78. Analysis of recent figures reveals an increasing trend in overall crime, with a notable 9.0% rise observed year-over-year. This introduction sets the scene for a comprehensive exploration of Plymouth's crime statistics, offering residents and those considering the area a clear understanding of its safety profile and evolving patterns.

About Plymouth

Plymouth is a significant port city located on the south coast of Devon, distinguished by its rich maritime history and a dynamic urban environment. The city's characteristics, including its role as a major commercial and retail hub for the wider region, contribute to its crime statistics. The presence of HMNB Devonport, one of Western Europe's largest naval bases, is a substantial employer and attracts a notable transient population. Furthermore, the University of Plymouth brings a significant student demographic, adding to the city's diverse population. These elements, combined with a vibrant city centre and active nightlife, create a complex social landscape. Such factors can naturally influence crime rates, particularly in areas with high footfall, diverse economic activities, and varying population densities, helping to explain the local crime rates and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Plymouth

An analysis of crime types in Plymouth reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 41.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 45.3 per 1,000 people. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, making up 17.5% of incidents at 19.4 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third highest, representing 8.5% of crimes or 9.4 per 1,000 residents. These figures highlight the primary areas of concern for public safety within the city.

Regarding property-related crime, Plymouth has a rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences including burglary (2.0 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.8 per 1,000), robbery (0.7 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (9.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.0 per 1,000), and other theft (6.7 per 1,000). While the overall property crime rate is lower than the national average, residents, particularly homeowners, should remain vigilant. Understanding these prevalent crime types can help residents take informed precautions to protect their property and personal safety, especially concerning general theft and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Plymouth

Analysing the crime trends in Plymouth reveals an increasing trajectory, with a 9.0% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This upward shift indicates a worsening trend in the city's overall safety profile compared to the previous 12-month period. Looking at the monthly data, crime rates per 1,000 people showed a dip in the early months of 2025, reaching a low of 8.2 in February, before a significant increase to 10.0 in May and a peak of 10.4 in July. The rates then showed some fluctuation, ending at 8.8 in September 2025. This pattern suggests seasonal variations, with higher crime rates observed during the warmer summer months. For residents, this increasing trend and the observed monthly peaks underscore the importance of staying informed and adopting proactive measures to enhance personal and property security, particularly during periods of higher crime incidence.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To provide a broader regional context, it is helpful to compare Plymouth's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. South Hams and West Devon typically present lower crime rates, reflecting their more rural and suburban characteristics. Moving further afield, Cornwall, while a larger county, often exhibits varied crime patterns depending on its urban centres versus its extensive rural stretches. Areas such as Teignbridge and Torbay, both coastal districts with urban components, offer different crime profiles that can be influenced by tourism and population density. Exeter, as another significant city in Devon, often shares some crime challenges with Plymouth, particularly in categories like violence and anti-social behaviour, though specific rates can differ. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and potential newcomers appreciate Plymouth's crime landscape within the broader regional context.

Protecting Your Home in Plymouth

Given Plymouth's property crime rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, prioritising robust home security is a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional security systems often focus on recording incidents after they occur, a more effective approach is proactive prevention. Systems like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping crime before it escalates into a break-in.

Unlike basic CCTV or DIY solutions that merely provide footage of a burglary, scOS offers real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence continuously monitors your property, learning routines and verifying vehicles to differentiate between genuine threats and everyday activity, thus minimising false alerts. This proactive deterrence, including the activation of lights and speakers, can destroy an intruder's element of surprise and make them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. For those seeking serious protection against property crime, professional-grade systems that prevent rather than just record offer a distinct advantage in safeguarding your home.