Paignton Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 40% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while historically low for the area, masks significant variations in crime types. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41% of all reported incidents, a proportion that exceeds the UK average by 50% (1.3 vs 2.0 per 1,000). This spike may be linked to May's extended evenings and bank holidays, which typically see increased outdoor socialising and alcohol consumption in Paignton's coastal setting. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, making up 33.9% of crimes, though this category remains 42% below the UK average. The data also reveals a marked seasonal shift: while property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime remained well below national averages (68-78% below), violent crime rates stayed relatively stable. This contrast highlights Paignton's unique profile as a tourist destination where social interaction patterns may drive certain types of crime more than others. The town's low overall rate suggests effective local policing or environmental factors, though the surge in anti-social behaviour underscores the need for continued community engagement.

May 2023 saw a sharp 22.9% increase in anti-social behaviour, with incidents rising from 109 to 134. This surge, which now accounts for 41% of all reported crimes, may partly explain the area's elevated rate compared to the UK average for this category (50% above). Concurrently, possession of weapons rose 12.5%, though this remains a minor category (2.8% of total crimes). Shoplifting fell by 89.5% (from 19 to 2), and theft from the person dropped 83.3% (from 6 to 1), suggesting a possible impact of increased police visibility or seasonal factors. Violent crimes, though still the second-largest category (33.9% of total), remain 42% below the UK average. Residents should be particularly vigilant around anti-social behaviour, which now exceeds the UK average by 50%, and consider reporting suspicious activity promptly.

Paignton's crime rate in May 2023 fell 18.6% from the previous month, dropping from 5.9 to 4.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity during May's bank holidays, though the overall rate remains 40% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 11 crimes were reported each day in Paignton, a figure that reflects the area's lower population density compared to major urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 208 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low crime environment. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it illustrates the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives—approximately 0.48% chance per resident. The reduction from April also suggests that targeted policing efforts or natural seasonal factors may have contributed to this trend from the data alone.