Paignton Crime Rate

Paignton currently holds a safety score of 78/100, which is nearly identical to the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate is 91.4 per 1,000 residents, which aligns almost perfectly with the national average of 91.7. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Paignton is stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.7%. As a popular coastal town, Paignton experiences crime patterns that are typical for a resort area, with activity peaking during the summer months. However, its property crime rate is lower than the UK average, suggesting a relatively secure environment for homeowners. This report provides a detailed look at Paignton's crime statistics, temporal trends, and practical safety advice.

Crime Breakdown in Paignton

In Paignton, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, making up 41.7% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also prevalent, accounting for 15.7%, followed by shoplifting at 8.9%. These figures are characteristic of a seaside town with a busy tourist centre and a significant hospitality sector.

Property crime in Paignton occurs at a rate of 28.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft. Burglary specifically accounts for 2.5% of total crime, while vehicle crime represents 3.3%. While these rates are relatively low, the volume of shoplifting and other theft indicates that commercial and personal property remain targets for opportunistic offenders. For residents, this means that while the risk of a serious home break-in is statistically lower than in many other UK towns, taking basic precautions to secure vehicles and outbuildings is still highly advisable to maintain the area's generally good safety profile.

The crime trend in Paignton is stable, with a 4.7% decrease over the last 12 months. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime was at its lowest in February, with a rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents. As the weather improved and tourist numbers increased, the rate rose steadily, peaking in July and August at 8.8 and 8.9 respectively.

This summer peak is a consistent feature of Paignton's crime profile, reflecting the seasonal influx of visitors. After August, the rate began to decline again, returning to 7.6 by November. The overall stability and slight decrease are positive signs for the town, suggesting that while seasonal spikes are inevitable, the baseline level of crime is not increasing. For residents, this means that while the town remains generally safe, extra precautions should be taken during the peak summer months when opportunistic crime is most frequent.

How To Keep Safe in Paignton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Paignton, often occurring in the town centre and around the seafront. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly during the busy summer season when crowds are larger. Stick to well-lit, popular routes when walking at night and avoid isolated areas like the beach or parks after dark.

Anti-social behaviour is also a notable concern. If you encounter disruptive groups, it is best to avoid confrontation and report the issue to the local authorities. Keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight when in busy areas to prevent opportunistic theft, which is more common during peak tourist hours.

For residents, home and vehicle security should be a priority. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home. If you have a car, parking in a well-lit driveway or a garage is always safer than on the street. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about any recent incidents in your specific part of Paignton.

Crime in Paignton exhibits distinct temporal trends throughout the day. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft and shoplifting, which account for 49% and 54% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the opening hours of the town's retail and commercial areas, where opportunistic crime is most likely. As evening approaches, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 53% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for vehicle owners, as vehicle crime rises significantly to 32% of all recorded incidents. This pattern suggests that while daytime crime is largely commercial, the night-time hours require extra vigilance for residential property and vehicle security.

Paignton sits in the middle of the Torbay crime spectrum. Its rate of 91.4 is significantly lower than that of Torquay (143.8), which is the most active urban centre in the region. However, it is higher than the more residential and rural areas nearby, such as Marldon (43.4), Stoke Gabriel (29.1), and Collaton St Mary (0.0). Compared to Brixham (64.1), Paignton has a higher overall volume of crime but maintains a similar safety score profile. For those living in the region, Paignton offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Torquay while still being a busy urban hub compared to the surrounding Devon villages.

With a property crime rate of 28.4 per 1,000 residents, Paignton is statistically safer for homeowners than many other UK towns. However, to maintain this level of safety, a proactive approach to security is highly recommended. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, are reactive; they record a crime while it is happening, but they rarely do anything to stop it. By the time you receive a notification, the damage is often already done.

scOS provides a more advanced solution by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording, scOS acts as a proactive deterrent. Its multi-camera intelligence identifies suspicious behaviour and can trigger autonomous responses, such as turning on high-intensity lights or activating speakers to alert an intruder that they have been spotted. This destroys the element of surprise and usually causes a criminal to move on before they even attempt to enter. For Paignton residents, this professional-grade prevention is the most effective way to safeguard homes and vehicles against opportunistic theft.