Plymouth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Plymouth's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a stark imbalance in crime types, with violent crimes dominating the landscape. At 8.5 per 1,000 residents, the city's crime rate is 25% above the UK average, reflecting a combination of local factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 47% of all reported incidents, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 (Plymouth's rate of 4.0 per 1,000 is 60% higher). This overrepresentation of violent crime may be influenced by Plymouth's status as a major urban centre with a mix of historic and modern infrastructure, which can contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.9 per 1,000, matched the UK average, while shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) fell 12% below the national rate. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours—likely contributed to the lower incidence of shoplifting and other outdoor crimes. However, the persistence of violent crime suggests deeper structural factors, such as socioeconomic disparities or the impact of transient populations in certain areas. The city's coastal geography may also play a role, as port activity and tourism-related interactions could influence crime dynamics. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both immediate incidents and underlying causes, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to public safety.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with drug-related offences rising by 31.7% (63 to 83) compared to the previous month. This increase aligns with the UK average for drugs (0.3 per 1,000), though Plymouth's rate remains 7% above the national figure. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 54.5% (11 to 5), potentially reflecting reduced outdoor activity during shorter winter days. The dominance of violent crimes—47% of total incidents—places Plymouth significantly above the UK average for violence and sexual offences (60% higher). Anti-social behaviour, at 0.9 per 1,000, matched the UK average, but shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) was 12% below the national rate, possibly due to lower retail footfall during the post-holiday period. Residents may find the 3.5% month-on-month increase in overall crime rate (from 8.2 to 8.5 per 1,000) a relevant indicator of local trends.

Plymouth's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a 3.5% increase from the previous month's 8.2 per 1,000. This places the city above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, though the pace of change is moderate. Daily crime activity averaged 75 incidents per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a consistent presence of crime across the month. When scaled to the population of 272,067, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 117 residents. This figure provides a tangible measure of risk for individuals living in the area, though it does not account for variations in local demographics or geographic distribution. The shift from December's seasonal lull to January's post-holiday period may have influenced the rate. The combination of urban density and coastal infrastructure in Plymouth likely contributes to the persistent levels of crime, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or transient populations.