Paignton Crime Rate

Paignton presents a stable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 91.1 per 1,000 people, which is remarkably close to the UK average of 91.6. With a safety score of 78/100, the area is considered relatively secure, sitting just one point below the national average safety score of 79. Recent data from 2025 indicates a stable trend in criminal activity, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 4.9%. This consistency suggests that while the town faces typical urban challenges, it is not experiencing the volatility seen in other coastal regions. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, seasonal trends, and practical safety advice to help residents and visitors navigate the area with confidence.

Crime in Paignton is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.7% of all recorded incidents with 2,640 cases. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (947 incidents) and shoplifting (546 incidents). While these high-volume categories often dominate public perception, property-related crime remains a significant concern for residents.

When combining burglary, vehicle crime, theft from the person, bicycle theft, and other theft categories, the property crime rate in Paignton stands at 27.9 per 1,000 people. This includes 413 instances of 'other theft' and 196 vehicle crimes. For homeowners and local businesses, these figures highlight a persistent risk of opportunistic crime. Burglary, though representing only 2.6% of total crime with 164 incidents, has a disproportionate impact on victim well-being. The data suggests that while Paignton is generally safer than many urban centres, the volume of theft and criminal damage (506 incidents) necessitates a proactive approach to home and business security to mitigate the risk of property loss or damage.

The crime trend in Paignton is currently classified as stable, with a 4.9% year-over-year decrease in total incidents. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 6.2 in December and a peak of 8.9 in August. This summer peak is common in coastal resort towns, likely influenced by the influx of seasonal visitors and increased outdoor activity.

Following the August high, the rate saw a steady decline through the autumn, dropping to 7.4 in September and eventually reaching its lowest point at the end of the year. This suggests that while there is a seasonal surge, the underlying crime levels remain controlled. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, suggesting that local law enforcement and community safety measures are effectively managing the town's crime profile without significant upward pressure. The slight overall decrease indicates that Paignton is gradually becoming a more secure environment, despite the expected seasonal variances.

How To Keep Safe in Paignton

The most prevalent crime type in Paignton is violence and sexual offences, accounting for over 42% of local incidents. While this category covers a broad range of offences, personal safety and situational awareness are paramount for residents and visitors alike.

To enhance your personal safety, try to stay in well-lit, busy areas when walking at night, especially near the seafront or town centre. If you are out late, plan your route in advance and consider using registered taxi services rather than walking alone through secluded paths or parks.

Community vigilance also plays a major role; participating in or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help deter anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common issue in the area. For those concerned about property-related offences, ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are inside the house. Given the rate of shoplifting and 'other theft', keep personal belongings like bags and phones secure and out of sight when in crowded commercial areas or using public transport hubs.

An analysis of crime timing in Paignton reveals distinct patterns tied to the town's daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily dominated by theft, which accounts for 50% and 54% of crimes in those windows respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes and shoplifting are most frequent when retail areas are busiest and footfall is at its peak.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' categories, which often include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 53% of evening activity. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a significant spike in vehicle-related crime, which rises to 31% of incidents during this period. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency at night, accounting for 17% of crimes. This data indicates that while commercial areas are more vulnerable during the day, residential property and vehicles face the greatest risk under the cover of darkness, particularly in the early hours of the morning.

When comparing Paignton to its immediate neighbours, there is a clear distinction between the urban hub and more rural settlements. Paignton's rate of 91.1 per 1,000 is significantly higher than the nearby town of Brixham, which maintains a lower rate of 64.0. Smaller villages show even greater contrast; Marldon and Stoke Gabriel report much lower rates of 42.1 and 30.4 respectively. Notably, Collaton St Mary recorded a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the localized nature of crime within the Torbay region. For those considering the area, Paignton serves as the primary commercial and residential centre, which naturally results in higher recorded figures compared to the surrounding tranquil villages.

In an area like Paignton, where property crime accounts for 27.9 incidents per 1,000 people, the distinction between reactive and proactive security is vital. Most traditional security setups, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide you with high-definition footage of a crime after it has already occurred. This does little to prevent the initial intrusion or the subsequent loss of property.

For true protection, residents should consider proactive AI-powered systems like scOS. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before a break-in happens. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious cars, while autonomous responses—including the activation of deterrent lighting and speakers—can disrupt a criminal's intent within the first few seconds of their approach. In a town where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent risks, moving beyond simple recording to active prevention ensures your home remains a hardened target. Professional-grade AI doesn't just watch; it intervenes, providing a level of security that standard DIY systems cannot match.