Plymouth Crime Rate

Plymouth has an overall crime rate of 109.6 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. However, the city maintains a respectable safety score of 74/100, reflecting a generally secure environment for its 272,067 residents. The recent crime trend in Plymouth is classified as stable, with a negligible 0.1% change year-over-year. This indicates that the volume of reported incidents has remained consistent over the last twelve months. While the overall rate is elevated compared to the national benchmark, Plymouth's property crime rate is actually below the UK average, suggesting that residents may face a lower risk of theft than in other major cities. The following report details the specific crime types and trends across the area.

Plymouth is a historic port city in Devon, known for its strong maritime heritage and the presence of HM Naval Base Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe. The city's economy is driven by the Royal Navy, marine research, and a growing tourism sector focused on the Barbican and Hoe. As a regional hub, Plymouth attracts a significant transient population of students, naval personnel, and visitors, which influences its crime statistics. The high density of the city centre, combined with a vibrant nightlife and major transport links like the A38 and Plymouth railway station, contributes to the volume of anti-social behaviour and public order reports. Suburban areas offer a more residential feel, but the urban core remains the primary area of activity for both commercial and social interactions.

In Plymouth, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 41.7% of the total, with a rate of 45.7 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.4% and criminal damage and arson at 8.4%. These top three categories highlight that interpersonal issues and social disturbances are the primary safety concerns within the city.

Property crime in Plymouth is lower than the UK average, with an overall property crime rate of 30.3 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (7.5 per 1,000), other theft (6.9 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (2.9 per 1,000). Interestingly, burglary is relatively uncommon compared to other cities, with a rate of just 2.0 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners, this means that while the risk of break-ins is statistically lower than in many other urban areas, the prevalence of criminal damage and general theft still necessitates good basic security and a proactive approach to protecting vehicles and outdoor assets.

The crime trend in Plymouth is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of just 0.1%. This suggests that the safety landscape has remained very consistent over the past year. Analysis of the monthly trendData from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a typical seasonal pattern for a coastal city. The year started with lower crime rates, with February 2025 recording the lowest rate of 8.2 per 1,000 people.

As the city moved into the warmer months and the tourist season began, crime rates saw a steady increase. The highest rate was recorded in July 2025, reaching 10.4 per 1,000. This summer peak likely reflects increased footfall and social activity in the city's public spaces. Rates then gradually declined through the autumn, ending at 8.3 in November. For residents, this data suggests that while the annual outlook is stable, the summer months require a slightly higher degree of personal awareness and property security.

In the context of the South West region, Plymouth is a major urban hub with a crime rate of 109.6 per 1,000 residents. When compared to its immediate neighbours, Plymouth has a higher reported volume of crime. Areas such as South Hams, West Devon, Cornwall, Teignbridge, Torbay, and Exeter all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this current dataset. This contrast is often seen when comparing a large port city with significant naval and industrial activity to more rural or tourism-focused counties and smaller cities. For those living in the region, Plymouth represents the primary centre for commerce and nightlife, which naturally correlates with higher levels of reported incidents.

Plymouth's property crime rate of 30.3 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, but the prevalence of criminal damage (8.4% of total crime) suggests that property protection remains a key concern for residents. Traditional security systems often provide a false sense of security because they are reactive; they record a crime but do nothing to prevent it. For homeowners in Plymouth, the goal should be to stop an incident before any damage or theft occurs.

The scOS AI-powered security system offers a proactive solution. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats—such as someone loitering near your vehicle or approaching your front door—long before they attempt a break-in. With features like multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses, the system can activate lights or audio deterrents to warn off intruders. In a city where criminal damage is more common than burglary, this immediate intervention is vital. scOS ensures that your home is not just watched, but actively protected, making it the superior choice for modern security in Plymouth.

How To Keep Safe in Plymouth

The most common crime type in Plymouth is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 41% of all reports. To stay safe in the city, residents and visitors should focus on personal safety and environmental awareness:

1. When enjoying Plymouth's nightlife in areas like the Barbican or Union Street, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance. Use reputable taxi companies or public transport and avoid walking alone in secluded areas.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in the city centre, especially during busy periods. Keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of distractions that could lead to opportunistic theft.
3. Given the rate of criminal damage, ensure that your property and vehicles are kept in well-lit areas. If you have a driveway or garage, use it, and consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter vandals.
4. Participate in local community safety initiatives. Plymouth has several active Neighbourhood Watch groups that can provide valuable information about local trends and safety tips specific to your ward.
5. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Early reporting helps the police identify hotspots and allocate resources more effectively to prevent issues from escalating.