Plymouth Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth’s crime profile in April 2025 was defined by a pronounced imbalance between violent and property crimes. With a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents—16.9% above the UK average—the area recorded 951 violent crimes, accounting for 38.7% of all incidents, compared to 717 property crimes (29.1%). This divergence suggests a combination of local factors, including the city’s role as a tourist destination and its mix of urban and coastal environments. Violence and sexual offences (3.5 per 1,000) were 34% above the UK average, consistent with patterns observed in cities with high foot traffic and nightlife activity. Anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) also exceeded national averages, likely driven by the Easter holiday period, which typically increases public space congestion and opportunities for disorder. Seasonal context further explains these trends: spring’s milder weather may have extended outdoor activity, contributing to higher rates of public order offences and anti-social behaviour. However, property crime rates were relatively lower than expected for a coastal town, with vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000) both significantly below UK averages. This contrast could reflect the effectiveness of local initiatives targeting vehicle-related crime, such as improved street lighting or community engagement programmes. The overall profile indicates that while violent crime remains a pressing concern, certain property crime categories are being mitigated through targeted interventions.

April 2025 saw a 29% increase in shoplifting, rising from 176 to 227 incidents. This surge may partly explain the dominance of violent crimes (38.7% of total incidents) over property crimes (29.1%). Violent crimes in Plymouth were 34% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences comprising 3.5 per 1,000 residents. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary rates were below UK averages, at 47% and 63% lower respectively. A 47.6% rise in possession of weapons (21 to 31 incidents) suggests a potential shift in criminal activity patterns. Residents may find the 28% decrease in vehicle crime (from 82 to 59 incidents) a positive indicator, linked to increased police patrols in car parks or improved CCTV coverage.

Plymouth's crime rate in April 2025 remained stable compared to March, declining by 2.1% (from 9.2 to 9.0 per 1,000 residents). This slight reduction aligns with seasonal trends, as spring weather often correlates with lower outdoor crime activity in coastal areas. Daily crime figures averaged 82 incidents per day, reflecting a consistent rhythm of criminal activity across the month. Over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for every 111 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the population-scaled perspective highlights that Plymouth’s crime profile is not severe compared to national benchmarks. Vehicle crime and burglary rates were significantly below UK averages, suggesting that certain areas—such as industrial zones or car-centric suburbs—may benefit from targeted infrastructure or community policing efforts that reduce specific offence types.