Plymouth Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's overall crime rate in May 2024 stood at 10.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.6% above the UK average of 8.4. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major urban centre with a mix of tourist attractions, residential areas, and commercial hubs. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.7% of all reported crimes. This category's rate of 4.2 per 1,000 is higher than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000, indicating a significant divergence from national trends. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.2% of total crimes, with its rate at 2.0 per 1,000—38% above the UK average. The seasonal context of May, characterised by extended evenings and bank holidays, likely exacerbates these trends, as increased socialising and alcohol consumption in public spaces may contribute to higher incidents of violence and disorder. Meanwhile, property crimes such as criminal damage and arson accounted for 8.1% of total crimes.8 per 1,000 is still 29% above the UK average. This suggests that while property-related offences are not the dominant category, they remain a persistent concern. The city's crime profile underscores the need for targeted strategies to address the overrepresentation of violent and anti-social crimes, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and nightlife activity. The data also highlights the importance of understanding how seasonal patterns influence crime trends, as May's unique conditions may amplify certain types of incidents.

The most striking change in May 2024 was the 115.4% increase in theft from the person, rising from 13 to 28 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with the 20.0% decline in bicycle theft, which fell from 10 to 8. Anti-social behaviour also saw a significant 27.6% increase, reflecting a growing trend in disruptive incidents. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 67.8%, from 59 to 99 cases, a shift that may be linked to increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Violence and sexual offences remain high, at 4.2 per 1,000—48% above the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This category alone accounts for 40.7% of all crimes, highlighting a critical focus area for local authorities. In contrast, burglary and bicycle theft both declined, with burglary down 14.5% and bicycle theft down 20.0%, suggesting some success in targeted interventions. Residents may find the 115.4% surge in theft from the person particularly concerning, as it indicates a sharp rise in personal safety risks in public spaces.

Plymouth's crime rate in May 2024 rose to 10.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.0. This upward trend aligns with the area's seasonal dynamics, as May brings longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which may contribute to higher reports of anti-social behaviour and violence. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 90 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in local communities. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 97 residents, a rate that highlights the persistent presence of crime in daily life. While this figure is higher than the UK average, it is essential to contextualise it within Plymouth's unique demographic and geographic profile, where urban density and tourist activity intersect. The comparison with the previous month reveals a consistent pattern of fluctuation, suggesting that local factors—such as the timing of bank holidays and seasonal events—play a role in shaping crime trends.