Plymouth Crime Rate

Plymouth's crime rate of 108.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 is 19.4% above the UK average, with possession of weapons standing out at 72% above the national rate. This figure highlights the disproportionate impact of weapon-related incidents on daily life, affecting public spaces and community confidence. Despite overall property crime being 4.2% below the UK average, the city's safety score of 74/100—5 points below the UK average—reveals a complex picture where specific crime types persistently exceed national benchmarks.

Plymouth, a port city with a mix of urban and rural areas, experiences crime patterns shaped by its geography and demographics. The city's coastal location and historic maritime industry coexist with modern urban centres, leading to distinct crime profiles. Urban areas like the city centre see higher rates of violence and sexual offences, likely linked to nightlife activity and transient populations. In contrast, rural parts of Plymouth report significantly lower crime rates, reflecting sparse populations and greater community cohesion. Economic factors also play a role: areas with higher unemployment rates see elevated anti-social behaviour, while tourist attractions contribute to shoplifting trends.

The most surprising finding in Plymouth's crime data is the 72% exceedance in possession of weapons at 1.6 per 1,000, far above the UK average of 0.9. This may be attributed to the city's urban density and the presence of transient populations in certain areas. Violence and sexual offences (46.4 per 1,000, 45% above UK average) are likely driven by the city's nightlife and late-night public transport usage, which increase opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour (17.7 per 1,000, 20% above UK average) remains elevated, possibly linked to socioeconomic disparities in parts of the city. Shoplifting, however, is slightly below the UK average (7.4 vs 7.5 per 1,000), suggesting effective policing in retail zones. Vehicle crime is lower (3.0 vs 4.6 per 1,000), likely due to the city's compact layout and limited commuter parking.

Plymouth's crime rate has remained stable, with a -2.6% year-on-year decrease, but the monthly trend reveals seasonal fluctuations. Crime peaked in July 2025 (10.4 per 1,000/month) likely due to increased outdoor activity and tourism during the summer months. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2026 (7.9 per 1,000/month), possibly linked to shorter evenings and reduced public events. Violence and sexual offences have shown minimal YoY change (3.0% increase), while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage have decreased by 8.7% and 11.8% respectively. This pattern may reflect seasonal variations in social gatherings and economic activity, with warmer months correlating with higher crime rates in public spaces.

Plymouth's crime rate (108.7 per 1,000) is 131% higher than South Hams and 139% higher than West Devon, reflecting the stark contrast between urban and rural environments. While Exeter has a slightly higher crime rate (112.7 per 1,000), its urban density and economic profile align with Plymouth's challenges. Rural Plymouth (59.0 per 1,000) demonstrates how lower population density and stronger community ties significantly reduce crime rates. Torbay's rate (107.3 per 1,000) is nearly identical to Plymouth's, suggesting similar urban dynamics in coastal towns.

For residents in Plymouth, where possession of weapons is 72% above the UK average, scOS offers targeted solutions. Its AI-powered boundary monitoring detects suspicious activity near properties, reducing the risk of weapon-related incidents by identifying threats before they reach doorways. The system's ability to distinguish between regular vehicles and potential threats through DVLA verification is particularly relevant in areas with elevated vehicle crime, though Plymouth's rate is lower than the UK average. Multi-camera coverage ensures no blind spots, while automated deterrence features like lights and audio warnings can disrupt offenders in high-risk zones. At £19/month, this system provides proactive security tailored to Plymouth's specific crime challenges.

How To Keep Safe in Plymouth

For residents concerned about weapon-related incidents, avoid isolated areas in the city centre after 10pm, when possession of weapons reports are most frequent. Use well-lit routes when walking near Plymouth's historic docks, where anti-social behaviour rates are higher. Parents should supervise teenagers in areas with elevated shoplifting rates, such as the city's retail hubs. For violence and sexual offences, avoid poorly maintained parks in the evenings and consider attending community events in safer, well-policed venues. Report suspicious behaviour in high-traffic areas like the Barbican, where crime rates have shown recent stability.