Plymouth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a combination of persistent and emerging trends. The overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents places the city 23.4% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the need for continued focus on public safety initiatives. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 44.3% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. This overrepresentation may be linked to Plymouth's status as a major coastal resort and university town, where nightlife activity and transient populations contribute to higher rates of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also feature prominently, with both categories exceeding UK averages by 52% and 51% respectively. These patterns align with the characteristics of a mixed-use urban area, where high foot traffic and commercial activity can amplify incidents of disorder. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may further contribute to the concentration of crimes in indoor spaces and late-night environments. However, the city's crime rate remains consistent with broader urban trends, suggesting that local factors, such as policing strategies and community engagement efforts, play a critical role in shaping outcomes. While the overall rate shows a slight decline from January, the persistence of violent crime and property-related offences highlights the need for targeted interventions.

February 2026 saw a stark 80% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 5 to 9 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with a 29.4% decline in theft from the person, which fell from 17 to 12. The shift in crime types may reflect seasonal changes, as colder weather and reduced outdoor activity could drive cyclists to store bikes in less secure locations. Violent crimes, accounting for 44.3% of all incidents, remained 51% above the UK average, with 956 reported cases. This discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in addressing violence and sexual offences in Plymouth, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and nightlife activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime decreased by 14% compared to the UK average, a trend consistent with Plymouth's lower density of car parking spaces relative to other urban centres. The 27.6% rise in possession of weapons, from 29 to 37 incidents, raises questions about the distribution of illicit firearms in the region and may warrant closer attention from local authorities.

Plymouth's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6.9% decrease from the previous month's 8.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull observed in winter months. above the UK average. On a daily basis, 77 crimes were reported across the 28 days of February, reflecting a consistent pace of activity despite the seasonal context. When scaled to the population, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents over the course of the month. While this figure is lower than the previous month, it still highlights the persistent challenge of maintaining safety in a densely populated urban area with a mix of tourist attractions and residential zones. The reduction in overall crime may partly reflect the end of school holidays, which often correlate with fluctuations in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.