Plymouth Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's August 2025 crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents places it 17.3% above the UK average, highlighting a pressing concern for local residents. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 105 residents over the course of the month, a figure that offers a concrete sense of risk in everyday life. The most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which account for 40% of all incidents, with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000—32% higher than the UK average. This category's dominance may reflect the city's urban character, where nightlife and public spaces create environments conducive to such offences. Anti-social behaviour follows at 18.4% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.8 per 1,000—23% above the national average. This could be linked to Plymouth's coastal tourism industry, where transient populations and high foot traffic may contribute to disorderly conduct. Criminal damage and arson, at 9.6% of total crimes, rose sharply by 25.8% month-on-month, suggesting potential seasonal factors such as increased property neglect during holidays or heightened tensions in specific neighbourhoods. The city's position as a major coastal resort likely influences these patterns, with August's peak tourism season exacerbating both property-related and public order issues. However, the 17.3% gap from the UK average indicates that local conditions—whether demographic, economic, or geographic—play a significant role in shaping crime trends. While the overall rate remains concerning, the specific breakdown of crime types offers insights into areas requiring targeted policing or community engagement strategies.

August saw a 33.3% rise in theft from the person, with 20 incidents reported compared to 15 in July. This increase may reflect heightened foot traffic in tourist areas or changes in public safety awareness. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 33.3%, from 9 to 6 cases, possibly linked to seasonal variations in cycling activity or improved security measures. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000—32% above the UK average. This category alone constitutes 40% of all crimes in Plymouth, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 21.4%, from 201 to 158 cases, which could indicate successful retail crime prevention strategies or shifts in consumer behaviour during the holiday season. The 25.8% increase in criminal damage and arson—rising from 198 to 249 cases—raises questions about property-related tensions, though can be confirmed without further data.

Plymouth's crime rate in August 2025 fell by 8.6% compared to July, declining from 10.4 to 9.5 per 1,000 residents. This monthly reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of coastal areas, where tourism-driven activity may peak earlier in the year. On a daily basis, 83 crimes were reported across the 31 days of August, translating to roughly one crime for every 105 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of risk: in any given week, a resident has a 1-in-21 chance of encountering a reported crime. The population context is critical—Plymouth's 272,067 residents mean that even a small absolute change in crime numbers can represent meaningful shifts in local safety. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the downward trend suggests potential effectiveness in targeted policing or seasonal factors reducing crime opportunities.