Monthly Crime Statistics

Plymouth Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth’s crime rate in July 2023 was 5.4 per 1,000 residents, 34.9% below the UK average. Theft from the person surged by 200%, raising concerns for residents.

1,465
Total Crimes
5.4
Per 1,000 People
8.3
UK Average
-2.7%
vs Previous Month

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Plymouth’s overall crime rate in July 2023 stood at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 34.9% below the UK average of 8.3. This sustained gap from national figures underscores the area’s relative safety, though specific crime types reveal localized challenges. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 30.3% of all reported crimes, followed closely by anti-social behaviour (30.0%). These figures align with Plymouth’s character as a coastal city with a vibrant nightlife and tourist infrastructure, which may contribute to incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and tourism—likely amplifies activities in public spaces, influencing crime patterns. While property crimes such as shoplifting and public order offences remain well below UK averages, the sharp rise in theft from the person and burglary suggests a need for targeted awareness campaigns. This duality—low overall rates but rising specific categories—reflects the combination of local demographics, seasonal trends, and policing effectiveness. As festivals and events draw crowds, the city’s crime profile may continue to evolve, requiring adaptive strategies to address emerging risks.

July 2023 saw a stark rise in theft from the person, with incidents jumping 200% from 4 to 12. This increase, coupled with a 156% rise in burglary and a 41.5% increase in vehicle crime, signals a shift in criminal activity patterns. While violent crimes such as violence and sexual offences dropped by 20.7%, the surge in property-related crimes highlights vulnerabilities in securing personal belongings and vehicles during the summer peak. Shoplifting and public order offences remain significantly below UK averages, with shoplifting at 50% below and public order at 52% below. These discrepancies suggest that while certain crime types are effectively managed, others—particularly those linked to transient populations or seasonal events—require heightened vigilance. Residents are advised to secure valuables, especially during festivals and outdoor events, which align with the area’s summer tourism and nightlife dynamics.

Plymouth’s crime rate in July 2023 remained stable compared to June, with a 2.7% decrease from 5.5 to 5.4 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline contrasts with the UK-wide average of 8.3, where Plymouth continues to report a 34.9% lower rate. Daily crime statistics reveal 47 crimes recorded each day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 186 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, highlighting that while crime remains a concern, the frequency is relatively low compared to the national average. Population context further underscores that Plymouth’s 272,067 residents experience a crime rate that is both below UK norms and consistent with historical trends in the area. The stability in crime numbers suggests that local policing efforts and community initiatives may be maintaining a baseline of safety, even as specific categories like theft from the person see sharp increases.

Crime Breakdown - July 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences4441.630.3%
Anti-social behaviour4401.630%
Criminal damage and arson1340.59.2%
Shoplifting750.35.1%
Public order700.34.8%
Other theft650.24.4%
Vehicle crime580.24%
Drugs560.23.8%
Burglary410.22.8%
Other crime380.12.6%
Possession of weapons200.11.4%
Theft from the person1200.8%
Robbery600.4%
Bicycle theft600.4%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Plymouth

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 11 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month