Monthly Crime Statistics

Paignton Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2023, Paignton recorded 333 crimes at a rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 41% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour was the most common crime, accounting for 46.6% of total reports.

333
Total Crimes
4.9
Per 1,000 People
8.3
UK Average
-16.4%
vs Previous Month

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For a town of 67,912 residents, Paignton’s 333 reported crimes in July 2023 equate to 0.5 crimes per person, a figure that contextualises the scale of criminal activity relative to the area’s population. The overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents is 41% below the UK average, reflecting a safer environment compared to the national picture. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.6% of all incidents, with 155 reports in total. This category’s rate of 2.3 per 1,000 is 62% above the UK average, likely influenced by Paignton’s status as a coastal town with a vibrant summer tourism season. The influx of visitors during July, coupled with festivals and outdoor events, may contribute to increased anti-social behaviour, such as noise disturbances or public intoxication. Violence and sexual offences, at 0.9 per 1,000, were 68% below the UK average, possibly due to the seasonal dispersal of populations, including students and transient tourists. The town’s relatively low levels of violent crime contrast with its higher rates of anti-social behaviour, suggesting a need to address community-specific challenges while maintaining the positive trend in reducing serious offences. The data also highlights a significant drop in other theft (23.1%) and a sharp increase in shoplifting (83.3%), which may be linked to the summer retail season and the presence of more foot traffic in local stores. These patterns underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to Paignton’s unique seasonal and demographic profile.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting increasing by 83.3% compared to the previous month, rising from 6 to 11 incidents. This spike aligns with the summer tourism peak, where retail areas may attract more visitors, potentially increasing opportunities for theft. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped sharply by 54.2%, from 131 to 60 incidents, reflecting the dispersal of transient populations during school holidays. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, contributing 46.6% of all crimes, and was 62% above the UK average for this category. This disparity may be linked to Paignton’s coastal character, where festivals and events can amplify noise-related disputes or public disturbances. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes rose by 50%, a trend that may warrant closer attention in the context of seasonal social dynamics. These changes illustrate the combination of local rhythms and crime, offering residents and authorities a clearer picture of where to focus resources.

In July 2023, Paignton’s crime rate stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal rhythm of the area, where summer holidays and festivals may temporarily disperse populations, reducing opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, Paignton saw approximately 11 crimes reported each day, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 204 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure offers a tangible sense of the frequency of crime in the area, though it remains significantly below the UK average. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the 333 total crimes, the rate is 41% lower than the UK average, underscoring Paignton’s relatively low crime profile compared to other regions. This context is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it provides a balanced view of safety in a coastal town known for its tourism and seasonal activity.

Crime Breakdown - July 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Anti-social behaviour1552.346.6%
Violence and sexual offences600.918%
Criminal damage and arson320.59.6%
Burglary170.35.1%
Other theft160.24.8%
Public order150.24.5%
Drugs120.23.6%
Shoplifting110.23.3%
Vehicle crime110.23.3%
Other crime200.6%
Bicycle theft100.3%
Robbery100.3%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Paignton

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Paignton. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 16 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month