Paignton Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton’s October 2023 crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents placed it 37.5% below the UK average of 8.0, a position that underscores the area’s consistently safer profile compared to the national picture. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.4% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (26.1%), and criminal damage and arson (12.9%), reflecting patterns consistent with a coastal town’s dynamics. The higher proportion of violent crimes compared to property crimes may be influenced by Paignton’s role as a tourist destination, where increased foot traffic and social interactions could contribute to interpersonal disputes. Seasonal factors also played a role: with clocks going back and Halloween approaching, darker evenings may have heightened opportunities for anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the area’s crime rate for vehicle-related incidents (0.3 per 1,000) was 42% below the UK average, linked to Paignton’s compact built-up area and limited commuter traffic. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.6) further illustrates the area’s distinct characteristics, due to its smaller retail footprint and community-focused policing initiatives. These findings collectively illustrate a town where crime prevention efforts and local demographics interact to produce a crime profile significantly lower than the national average.

October 2023 saw notable shifts in Paignton’s crime profile, with theft from the person increasing by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents), a stark contrast to the 42% UK-wide reduction in vehicle crime (19 vs 29). Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, contributing 26.1% of total crimes, though this rate was only 2% above the UK average. The surge in drug-related crimes (+75%) to 14 incidents suggests potential pressures on local services, though this category matched the UK average. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by two-thirds (6 to 2), possibly linked to seasonal factors like reduced cycling during darker evenings. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes (26.4% of total) outpaced property crimes (18.4%), a divergence from the UK average where property crimes typically dominate. This imbalance may reflect Paignton’s character as a coastal town with a mix of tourist activity and residential areas, where interpersonal conflicts can escalate during periods of heightened social interaction.

Paignton's October 2023 crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.6% decline from the previous month’s 5.4 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent trend of reduced incidents. Daily crime activity averaged 11 reported crimes, a figure that aligns with the area’s generally low crime profile compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 199 residents, underscoring the relatively low exposure to crime in Paignton. This monthly exposure rate, while modest, provides a tangible metric for residents to gauge their personal risk. The population context further highlights the significance of these figures: with 67,912 residents, the absolute number of crimes (341) is manageable but warrants ongoing attention to ensure trends remain stable. The decline from the previous month may partly reflect seasonal factors, such as the transition from autumn to winter, which can influence crime patterns in coastal areas like Paignton.