Plymouth Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This discrepancy highlights a distinct pattern in local crime dynamics, with violence and sexual offences dominating the landscape. These crimes accounted for 41.0% of all reported incidents in the month, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (45% above). The second most common category, anti-social behaviour, contributed 19.2% of total crimes, again exceeding the UK average by 34%. Shoplifting followed with 8.1% of incidents, 19% above the UK rate. These figures suggest a combination of local factors and broader national trends. Seasonal context may partly explain these patterns: May in Plymouth brings longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which could drive both violent crime and anti-social behaviour. The area's mix of urban and coastal environments—home to a major port, university, and tourist attractions—likely creates unique conditions for these crime types. While property crimes like shoplifting remain prevalent, the dominance of violent crime contrasts with some UK regions where property offences typically lead. This divergence may reflect Plymouth's specific demographic mix, including a significant student population and transient workforce tied to the maritime sector. The seasonal context of bank holidays and extended daylight hours could further amplify social interactions in public spaces, contributing to the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour observed.

May 2025 saw notable shifts in Plymouth's crime profile. Burglary increased by 42.9% compared to April, rising from 35 to 50 incidents. This uptick may be linked to warmer weather and more outdoor activity, which could create opportunities for opportunistic crime. Robbery also rose by 37.5%, with incidents increasing from 8 to 11, a trend that could be connected to increased foot traffic in retail and tourist areas during May. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 41.7%, dropping from 12 to 7 incidents. This decline might reflect seasonal changes in cycling patterns or improved security measures in key locations. The possession of weapons category saw a 32.3% increase, rising from 31 to 41 incidents—a concerning development that may warrant closer attention from local authorities. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson decreased by 18.8%, from 213 to 173 incidents, due to seasonal factors or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences remain the most significant outlier, with a rate of 4.1 per 1,000 (41.0% of total crimes), 45% above the UK average. This stark contrast underscores the need for focused strategies in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and social venues. Residents might find it useful to note that vehicle crime was 50% below the UK average, with 0.2 per 1,000 incidents—a figure that could be attributed to Plymouth's limited reliance on car-centric transport compared to other UK cities.

Plymouth's crime rate in May 2025 (10.0 per 1,000) represented a 10.2% increase from April's rate of 9.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 87 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 100 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of the frequency of crime in local communities. When compared to the UK average, Plymouth's overall rate remains significantly higher, but the breakdown of crime types reveals nuanced differences. For instance, while vehicle crime in Plymouth was 50% below the UK average (0.2 vs 0.4 per 1,000), the rate of possession of weapons was 150% above the national average (0.2 vs 0.1 per 1,000). These disparities highlight the importance of contextualising crime statistics within the specific characteristics of the area. The population-scaled perspective shows that each resident in Plymouth faced a 10.0 per 1,000 risk of experiencing a crime in May, a rate that is higher than the UK average but reflects the local mix of urban and coastal environments. The 10.2% monthly increase from April suggests a possible acceleration in crime trends, which could be influenced by factors such as the start of the school year or the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. Residents and local authorities must consider these figures in the broader context of Plymouth's unique social and economic landscape, including its role as a major port city and tourist destination.