Paignton Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton’s crime profile in May 2024 reflects a worrying escalation in specific categories, with the overall crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents placing the area 13.1% above the UK average of 8.4. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent issue, accounting for 36.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.9%) and other theft (7.6%). These figures are consistent with Paignton’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential, retail, and leisure spaces, where public order challenges often arise during the late spring season. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays, extended daylight, and increased outdoor activity—likely contributes to the surge in violent and anti-social incidents, as well as the sharp rise in vehicle crime. While shoplifting rates dropped significantly, this may be attributed to reduced retail footfall or targeted policing efforts, rather than a systemic decline in property crime. The data also reveals that Paignton’s violent crime rate is 23% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be linked to the town’s proximity to Torbay’s tourist infrastructure, which can attract transient populations and associated risks. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or public transport hubs, where incidents of theft from the person and anti-social behaviour are most common. The absence of a corresponding drop in drug-related offences—now 82% above the UK average—adds to the complexity of the local crime picture, suggesting that community-based interventions may need to address both immediate safety concerns and underlying social factors.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with theft from the person rising by 200% (from 2 to 6 incidents) and vehicle crime surging 117.6% (from 17 to 37). These jumps suggest heightened vulnerability in personal safety and vehicle security, possibly linked to May’s longer evenings and increased outdoor activity. Meanwhile, drug-related offences climbed 56.3% (from 16 to 25), a trend that may reflect seasonal shifts in social behaviour or localised pressures. Conversely, shoplifting dropped 46.2% (from 78 to 42), due to reduced foot traffic or targeted enforcement. Paignton’s violent crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 (36.7% of all crimes) is 23% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour at 1.9 per 1,000 is 31% above national levels. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high concentrations of public drinking or late-night socialising, where violent and anti-social incidents are concentrated.

Paignton's crime rate in May 2024 rose to 9.5 per 1,000 residents, a 14.4% increase from April’s 8.3 per 1,000. This places the area 13.1% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, highlighting a growing disparity compared to national trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 21 crimes per day, reflecting a persistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 105 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 67,912 people. This monthly exposure rate, while not extreme, suggests that residents cannot assume a high level of safety. The population context further illustrates that even minor shifts in crime rates—such as the 14.4% increase—translate to tangible impacts on local life, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or social activity. The absence of a UK-wide daily comparison means Paignton’s figures must be interpreted within the local context, emphasizing the need for targeted awareness rather than broad generalizations.