Plymouth Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's overall crime rate in February 2025 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.4% above the UK average of 6.7. This reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining safety relative to the national benchmark. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 40.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. The dominance of violent crime may partly explain the stark gap from the UK average, where violent offences are 45% lower. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, exceeds the UK rate by 44%, suggesting heightened tensions in public spaces. The relatively low rates of shoplifting (19% below UK average) and vehicle crime (19% below) could indicate effective local strategies in retail and transport sectors, though these categories remain minor contributors to the overall crime picture. The interplay between seasonal factors and urban dynamics in Plymouth likely shapes these patterns, with colder weather and shorter daylight hours limiting outdoor crime while amplifying disputes in enclosed areas. This snapshot underscores the need for targeted interventions in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, alongside maintaining current measures in areas showing lower-than-average rates.

February 2025 saw the most dramatic month-on-month shift in robbery, which surged by 37.5% (8 to 11 incidents). This spike contrasts with a 38.5% decline in possession of weapons (39 to 24), possibly reflecting reduced public displays of firearms during colder months. The violent crime category, already 45% above the UK average, remained the largest contributor to Plymouth's elevated rate, highlighting the need for focused policing in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell 19% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Plymouth's lower retail crime rates observed in prior months. For residents, the 37.5% increase in robberies serves as a critical warning, particularly in high-traffic zones such as the city centre and transport hubs. Burglary also rose sharply by 37.1% (35 to 48), suggesting potential vulnerabilities in residential areas during the winter period. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 42.9% (7 to 4), possibly due to reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for theft in colder weather. The UK average for drugs offences is 60% lower than in Plymouth, indicating a localised issue that may require targeted community engagement. These shifts illustrate a complex mix of factors, from seasonal influences to specific local challenges, that shape Plymouth's crime profile each month.

Plymouth's crime rate in February 2025 (8.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 3.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.5, reflecting a modest but notable improvement. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 80 reported crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the ongoing pressure on local services. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides a tangible sense of risk for residents. With a population of 272,067, this translates to 2,238 total crimes—a number that underscores the scale of policing required in a mid-sized urban centre. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the decline from February 2025 to January 2025 suggests some short-term progress in crime reduction strategies. However, the persistent gap from the UK average—particularly in violent crime and anti-social behaviour—highlights systemic challenges. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while individual risk remains relatively low, the aggregate impact of crime is significant, requiring sustained investment in prevention and community support. This comparison to previous months and national benchmarks illustrates both the progress made and the areas where further action is needed to address Plymouth's unique crime challenges.