Paignton Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 67,912 residents, Paignton's 669 reported crimes in July 2024 equate to one crime occurring for every 102 people over the course of the month — a rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 17.9% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, positioning Paignton as one of the higher-risk areas nationally. The crime profile reflects the area's characteristics as a coastal resort town, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.5% of all reported incidents (244 cases), anti-social behaviour making up 18.2% (122 cases), and shoplifting contributing 10.3% (69 cases). These patterns are consistent with Paignton's seasonal dynamics: July, as a peak month for tourism and festivals, likely drives both the high volume of violence and the surge in anti-social behaviour. The elevated rates of shoplifting and criminal damage (47% and 43% above UK averages respectively) suggest retail and leisure areas may be particularly vulnerable during the summer season. However, the relative safety in categories such as burglary (35% below UK average) and robbery (100% below) hints at effective local policing or environmental factors that deter these specific crimes. The interplay between transient tourist populations and resident communities may also explain the high proportion of anti-social behaviour, as crowded spaces and extended summer hours create conditions conducive to disorder. Overall, the crime statistics illustrate a complex relationship between Paignton's geography, seasonal patterns, and the types of incidents that dominate its crime profile.

July 2024 saw a 27.1% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 96 to 122 incidents — the largest single-category rise. This surge aligns with Paignton's role as a summer tourist destination, where crowded events and extended daylight hours may amplify disorder. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 11.3% to 69 cases, maintaining its position as the third most common crime type. This figure is 47% above the UK average, suggesting local factors such as high foot traffic in retail zones may be contributing. Conversely, robbery and bicycle theft both fell by 33.3%, reflecting improved security measures during peak tourist season or the natural seasonal lull in vehicle-related crimes. Public order offences also rose by 25% to 30 cases, though this category remains 38% below the UK average, indicating Paignton's local enforcement strategies may be more effective in managing such incidents. The category breakdown reveals a stark contrast: while violence and sexual offences dominate at 36.5% of total crimes, burglary and robbery are significantly below UK rates, pointing to a crime profile shaped by both tourism and community policing efforts.

Paignton's crime rate in July 2024 remained stable at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure recorded in June. This consistency suggests no immediate spikes or declines in overall criminal activity during the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 22 reported crimes each day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively compact built-up area. When considering the population context, over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 102 residents — a statistic that provides a tangible sense of how often residents may encounter crime. While this monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, Paignton's unique characteristics — such as its status as a coastal resort and summer tourism hub — may influence these figures differently than in other regions. The lack of change from June implies that seasonal factors, such as the peak of the tourist season, may have had a balanced impact on crime dynamics, with no clear directional shift in the overall crime picture.