Paignton Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 marked an unexpected spike in robbery incidents in Paignton, a coastal town in Torbay, where the overall crime rate stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents—29.6% below the UK average. This figure, though significantly lower than the national benchmark (8.1 per 1,000), was accompanied by a sharp rise in violent crime, with robbery cases surging 700% compared to July. The town’s crime profile remains dominated by anti-social behaviour (28.5% of total crimes), followed by violence and sexual offences (23.6%) and criminal damage and arson (14.1%). August, as a peak holiday month, typically brings increased tourism and the temporary absence of residents, which may partly explain the rise in vehicle crime and bicycle theft, both of which saw substantial increases. However, the drop in burglary cases (from 17 to six) aligns with seasonal patterns, as empty homes during the summer months may reduce opportunities for such crimes. Paignton’s violent crime rate, at 1.4 per 1,000, was 47% below the UK average, reflecting the town’s generally safer environment despite the unexpected surge in robberies. The contrast between Paignton’s lower violent crime rates and its higher anti-social behaviour incidents highlights the combination of local factors, including the impact of tourism on public order. The town’s property crime rate (158 incidents) and violent crime rate (92 incidents) suggest a balanced mix of crime types, with property offences slightly outnumbering violent ones. This balance may be influenced by Paignton’s character as a tourist destination, where retail and leisure activities contribute to anti-social behaviour but also reduce the likelihood of violent crime through increased foot traffic and community presence. The seasonal context of August—characterised by high tourism and the temporary displacement of residents—adds further nuance to the crime picture, with the spike in robbery cases underscoring the need for continued vigilance during peak holiday periods.

August 2023 saw a 700% increase in robbery incidents, rising from one to eight cases—a dramatic shift that defied expectations for a coastal town typically associated with lower violent crime. This surge, coupled with a 254.5% rise in vehicle crime (from 11 to 39) and a 100% increase in bicycle theft (from one to two), suggests a notable shift in crime patterns during the peak holiday season. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 28.5% of all crimes, remained 11% above the UK average, while violent crimes were 47% below the national rate, consistent with Paignton’s generally safer profile. The sharp decline in burglary (64.7% drop from 17 to six cases) may reflect the seasonal emptying of homes during August, a trend that could provide a useful insight for residents planning summer stays.

Paignton’s crime rate in August 2023 rose 17.1% compared to July, moving from 4.9 to 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. While this increase positions the area closer to the UK average (8.1 per 1,000), it remains 29.6% below the national figure. Locally, the average resident faced one reported crime for every 174 people over the course of the month, a metric that contextualises the scale of incidents in a population of 67,912. Daily crime statistics show 13 crimes reported each day, a figure that includes both violent and property offences. The rise in August, though modest, contrasts with the broader trend of Paignton’s historically lower crime rates, which may reflect its status as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. The population context further underscores that even with the 17.1% increase, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, with crime rates over 30% lower than the national benchmark.