Plymouth Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 10.1 per 1,000 residents — 20.2% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked elevation is driven by a significant overrepresentation of violent crimes, which accounted for 39.6% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 1092 cases, were 40% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (18.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%) also exceeded national norms by 31% and 59% respectively. These patterns align with Plymouth's character as a coastal city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where summer tourism and festivals may exacerbate public order issues. The dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, which sees a more balanced distribution between property and violent offences. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as July is typically a peak month for outdoor activity, events, and tourism — all of which can influence crime dynamics. While property crime remains a concern, the disproportionate rise in violent incidents suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The local police have noted that the city's nightlife and retail hubs, combined with the summer school holidays, may contribute to increased vulnerability. However, direct causal links, and further analysis is required to fully understand these trends.

July saw a sharp 24.1% increase in criminal damage and arson, with incidents rising from 228 to 283. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as summer festivals and outdoor events may contribute to heightened property damage. Public order offences also climbed by 19.4%, reaching 172 incidents — a 31% increase over the UK average. These figures suggest a need for heightened vigilance in areas with high foot traffic or event spaces. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 46.7% (15 to 8), possibly reflecting reduced summer cycling activity or improved security measures. Vehicle crime increased by 14.5% (69 to 79), a trend that may be linked to the city's commuter infrastructure and summer tourism. The 40% gap in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average remains a critical concern for local authorities.

Plymouth's crime rate in July 2024 rose 2.5% compared to June, reflecting a continued upward trend. With 2755 crimes reported over 31 days, this equates to roughly 89 crimes per day — a figure that underscores the persistent demand on local policing resources. The monthly exposure rate shows that, on average, one crime occurred for every 99 residents — a statistic that may help residents contextualise their personal risk. When compared to the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, Plymouth's rate of 10.1 per 1,000 highlights a significant divergence, though this is partially offset by the localised nature of certain crime types. The population of 272,067 means that even small percentage changes translate to hundreds of additional incidents, a reality that shapes both community awareness and policing priorities.