Plymouth Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth’s September 2025 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents—18.9% above the UK average—reflects a combination of urban dynamics and seasonal factors. With 2,399 crimes recorded, this equates to roughly 8.8 incidents for every 1,000 people, a figure that translates to over 2,000 crimes for a city of 272,067 residents. The dominance of violence and sexual offences (42.6% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (16.1%) highlights the city’s challenges in addressing public order and personal safety. These rates align with Plymouth’s character as a coastal urban centre with a significant student population, where freshers’ week and the start of the academic term can amplify social tensions. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.6 per 1,000, but Plymouth’s rate of 3.8 per 1,000 is 47% higher, a gap that may partly explain the city’s focus on community policing and youth engagement initiatives. Meanwhile, shoplifting remains 18% below the UK average, potentially linked to robust retail security measures in Plymouth’s high streets and commercial zones. The seasonal context of September—marked by back-to-school activities and the transition to shorter days—may contribute to fluctuations in crime, as seen in the rise of bicycle theft and the decline in criminal damage and arson. These patterns underscore the need for adaptive strategies that consider both demographic and environmental factors in shaping crime prevention efforts.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft increasing by 100% compared to August, a stark contrast to the 100% decrease in theft from the person. This divergence may reflect seasonal changes, such as university students returning and increased cycling activity as daylight hours shorten. Robbery rates rose by 41.2%, potentially linked to the start of the academic term and heightened foot traffic in city centres. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 19.1%, due to the easing of summer-related disturbances. The city’s violent crime rate—3.8 per 1,000—was 47% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge in managing violence and sexual offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 18% below the UK average, suggesting effective retail security measures or lower demand in this category. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted interventions during transitional periods like September, when student populations and seasonal rhythms intersect.

Plymouth’s crime rate in September 2025 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, a 7.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.5 per 1,000. This reduction, while modest, suggests a stabilisation in crime trends following the summer months. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 80 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of its population and the mix of urban and coastal environments. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. This figure is particularly useful for residents assessing risk relative to their community’s size. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the rate is above the UK average, the absolute number of crimes is manageable within the context of Plymouth’s 272,067 residents. Comparisons to the UK average must be interpreted carefully, as Plymouth’s unique characteristics—such as its port infrastructure and university presence—can influence crime patterns independently of national trends.