Plymouth Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's overall crime rate in February 2023 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.2% below the UK average of 6.9 per 1,000. This figure reflects a mix of persistent and seasonal patterns typical of a major urban centre with a population of 272,067. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.6% of all reported crimes (686 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.9%, 380 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (10.1%, 175 incidents). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the relatively lower crime rate compared to busier periods, though the persistent presence of violent crime suggests ongoing challenges in community safety. The city's urban character, with its mix of residential, commercial, and coastal areas, may explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour, often linked to nightlife activity and public spaces. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as burglary (35% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below UK average) could be attributed to Plymouth's geographical layout, which includes a significant port area and suburban zones that may deter certain types of crime. However, the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. These patterns illustrate the combination of local demographics, urban infrastructure, and seasonal factors in shaping the city's crime profile.

The most dramatic shift in February 2023 was the 44% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, with 380 incidents reported—far exceeding the national rate of 1.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the significant pressure on local policing resources and community services, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and public spaces. In contrast, public order offences were 30% below the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), a marked difference that may reflect Plymouth's more regulated approach to public spaces or the effectiveness of local enforcement strategies. Meanwhile, the rate of vehicle crime in February (0.1 per 1,000) was 78% below the UK average, suggesting that the city's port infrastructure and suburban layouts may act as deterrents to car-related crimes. For residents, the most immediately relevant finding is the 39.6% share of violent crimes (686 incidents), which highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and support services. This figure is consistent with the seasonal context of February, where reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may concentrate social interactions in indoor spaces, increasing the risk of interpersonal violence. However, the lower-than-expected rate of shoplifting (32% below UK average) is notable, due to the city's retail mix, which includes both high-street stores and more specialised shops that may be less vulnerable to theft.

Plymouth's February 2023 crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents translated to roughly 62 crimes per day, a figure that provides a daily context for local residents. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 157 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is slightly lower than the UK average when considering the city's overall crime rate. However, this aggregate figure masks significant variations in specific crime types. For instance, the rate of anti-social behaviour (1.4 per 1,000) is 44% above the UK average, highlighting a localised challenge that may not be fully captured by the overall rate. This discrepancy underscores the importance of looking beyond the aggregate numbers to understand the unique pressures on Plymouth's communities. The city's population size (272,067) means that even relatively small increases in crime rates can have a measurable impact on individual residents. For example, the 35% lower rate of burglary compared to the UK average (0.2 per 1,000) may be attributable to the city's suburban layout, which includes a mix of terraced housing and larger homes that may be less attractive to burglars. However, the elevated rate of anti-social behaviour suggests that certain areas—particularly those with high foot traffic and limited policing coverage—require targeted interventions. This comparison illustrates how a city's demographic and geographic characteristics can shape its crime profile in ways that are not always reflected in the overall rate.