Plymouth Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth’s crime rate in May 2025 stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for local authorities, with violence and sexual offences emerging as the most significant concern. At 4.1 per 1,000 residents, this category alone accounted for 41% of all reported crimes, far exceeding the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. The dominance of violent crime in Plymouth’s profile is likely tied to the city’s urban character, its mix of residential and commercial areas, and the seasonal context of May. Longer evenings and the onset of warmer weather may have contributed to increased outdoor socialising, a factor that could drive incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type, occurred at a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents—34% above the UK average. This suggests a need for targeted community policing in areas where such behaviour is concentrated, particularly in high-traffic zones. Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, also exceeded the UK average by 19%, indicating that retail sectors remain vulnerable to opportunistic theft. The city’s crime picture, while showing some areas of concern, also reveals pockets of resilience, such as the decline in criminal damage and arson. These fluctuations may be influenced by local initiatives or changes in criminal activity patterns, though further analysis is required to confirm these hypotheses. Overall, Plymouth’s crime profile in May 2025 underscores the importance of adaptive strategies that address both immediate threats and underlying factors contributing to crime.

May 2025 saw notable shifts in Plymouth’s crime profile. Burglary increased by 42.9%, rising from 35 to 50 incidents, while robbery rose by 37.5% (8 to 11 cases). These increases may reflect seasonal factors, such as extended evenings and increased foot traffic in residential areas. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 41.7% (12 to 7 cases), potentially linked to improved security measures or reduced outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences remained starkly elevated, with a rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents—45% above the UK average. This category alone accounted for 41% of all crimes, highlighting a pressing concern for local communities. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson decreased by 18.8%, due to targeted interventions or seasonal shifts in criminal behaviour. The data underscores a combination of urban dynamics and crime patterns, with certain categories showing marked divergence from national trends.

Plymouth's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 10.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 10.2% increase from the previous month’s rate of 9.0. This translates to approximately 87 crimes reported daily, a figure that reflects the city’s population density and urban dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents in a community of 272,067 people. While this monthly exposure rate is a local metric without a UK-wide equivalent, it highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies. The shift from April to May also aligns with seasonal patterns, as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising may influence crime trends. However, the rise in violent offences and anti-social behaviour contrasts with a decline in bicycle theft and criminal damage, suggesting evolving patterns in criminal activity across different sectors of the city.