Plymouth Crime Rate

Plymouth recorded a crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is 19.5% above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While some crime categories, such as vehicle crime and burglary, are below average, others, particularly violence and sexual offences, are significantly elevated. The overall trend shows a slight stability, with a decrease of 1.9% year-on-year. Understanding these statistics and their context is crucial for residents and potential newcomers to Plymouth.

Plymouth, a coastal city in Devon, experiences crime influenced by its diverse population, bustling port, and vibrant nightlife. The city's significant student population, coupled with areas of deprivation, can contribute to certain crime patterns. The historic naval presence and ongoing regeneration projects also shape the local environment and potentially influence crime rates. A mix of residential areas, commercial districts, and industrial zones creates varied opportunities for criminal activity, from petty theft to more complex offences. Understanding these factors is key to interpreting Plymouth's crime statistics and developing effective preventative measures.

Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category in Plymouth, accounting for 46.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is 42.4% of all recorded crimes and 44% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent, at 18.1 per 1,000, a 22% increase compared to the national average. Criminal damage and arson are also above the UK average, with 9.0 crimes per 1,000 (36% above). While shoplifting (7.3 per 1,000) is slightly below the UK average, other theft (7.2 per 1,000) and public order offences (6.5 per 1,000) are marginally above. Vehicle crime, at 3.0 per 1,000, is notably lower than the UK average (27% below), alongside burglary at 2.2 per 1,000 (34% below), suggesting positive trends in these areas. Overall property crime in Plymouth stands at 30.5 per 1,000, which is above the UK average.

Crime in Plymouth has remained stable, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year between February 2025 and January 2026. Monthly crime rates fluctuated, peaking at 10.4 per 1,000 in July 2025 and reaching a low of 8.2 per 1,000 in February 2025. While shoplifting saw a slight increase, other crime categories, including violence and sexual offences, have remained relatively consistent throughout the period, indicating a need for ongoing preventative measures and community engagement.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Plymouth’s crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 is higher than West Devon (45.2 per 1,000) and Cornwall (73.2 per 1,000) but lower than Torbay (107.4 per 1,000) and Exeter (112.5 per 1,000). This highlights the varied crime landscape across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems in Plymouth often simply record footage after a crime has occurred. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, takes a proactive approach. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary, preventing crime before it happens. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds – the window in which many burglars decide whether to proceed. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.

How To Keep Safe in Plymouth

Given the elevated rate of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to stay vigilant when out alone, particularly at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking in poorly lit areas. Consider travelling in groups whenever possible. Secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, contributing to community safety efforts.