Plymouth Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's overall crime rate in February 2024 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 8.5% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a combination of factors, including the city's urban character and its role as a major port and tourist destination. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 43.2% of all incidents and significantly outpacing the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.5% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson made up 7.8%. These patterns are consistent with Plymouth's urban density and the presence of high-traffic areas such as the waterfront and historic centres, which can drive both property and violent crime. Seasonal context suggests that February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have contributed to a reduction in certain crime types, though the overall rate remains higher than the UK average. The city's position as a coastal hub with significant tourism infrastructure likely influences crime dynamics, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and retail presence. While direct causes for the elevated rates, the combination of local geography, economic activity, and seasonal factors likely plays a role in shaping the crime picture for the area.

Vehicle crime in Plymouth saw the most dramatic month-on-month increase, jumping by 83.7% from 43 to 79 incidents. This surge, while significant, remains 32% below the UK average for the same category. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 25.2%, dropping from 143 to 107 cases, a trend consistent with seasonal lulls in retail activity during winter months. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 43.2% of all crimes and 32% above the UK average. The sharp rise in vehicle crime may reflect increased traffic during the winter, though no definitive causal link can be established without further data. Residents may note that theft from the person rose by 53.8%, from 13 to 20 incidents, a change that could be tied to local patterns in public spaces. Drug-related offences also declined by 13.4%, from 82 to 71 cases, though they remain 43% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in this area.

Plymouth's crime rate in February 2024 fell by 3.6% compared to January 2024, marking a slight decline from the previous month's 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with typical seasonal patterns in the area, where winter months often see lower outdoor activity and fewer incidents linked to tourism or seasonal events. On a daily basis, 73 crimes were reported in February, translating to roughly one crime for every 129 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure places Plymouth slightly above the UK average for similar-sized areas, though the exact UK benchmark is not available for direct comparison. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the overall rate remains elevated, the decrease from January suggests potential stabilisation in local crime trends. Residents may find the daily crime count useful for contextualising risk, though this figure includes all crime types and does not distinguish between violent and property offences.