Paignton Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton's crime rate in September 2024 was 7.6 per 1,000 residents, 1.3% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure, while slightly lower than the national benchmark, reflects a mixed picture shaped by seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. The area's top crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.1% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (17.7%), and shoplifting (10.9%), all of which exceeded UK averages. The dominance of violent crime aligns with Paignton's status as a coastal resort town, where late-night activity in the town centre and proximity to university campuses may contribute to higher levels of alcohol-fuelled incidents. However, the overall rate is tempered by lower-than-average figures for certain categories, such as burglary (35% below UK average) and vehicle crime (56% below UK average), likely due to the town's compact built-up area and limited car parking infrastructure. Seasonal factors also played a role, with the end of the summer tourist season potentially reducing opportunities for theft and fraud. Meanwhile, the rise in bicycle theft and robbery—both linked to the start of the academic year—suggests that student populations and increased foot traffic in educational zones may be influencing crime patterns. The 1.3% gap between Paignton's rate and the UK average, though modest, underscores the area's unique crime profile, where the interplay of tourism, residential density, and seasonal transitions creates a distinct pattern that differs from larger urban centres or more rural areas.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in Paignton's crime profile, with vehicle crime plummeting by 63.3% to 11 incidents—a stark contrast to August's 30. This decline likely reflects reduced summer tourism and fewer overnight visitors, as the area transitions into autumn. Conversely, robbery incidents doubled from zero to two, and bicycle theft rose by 50% to three, possibly linked to the start of the academic year and increased cycling activity. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, accounting for 17.7% of all crimes, though this figure was 11% above the UK average. Violent crimes, which made up 38.1% of the total, were 11% above the UK rate, a pattern consistent with other coastal towns where nightlife and seasonal gatherings contribute to higher levels of violence and sexual offences. The sharp drop in vehicle crime, however, was the most significant monthly change, with the category now 56% below the UK average. Residents may find the 63.3% reduction in vehicle crime particularly reassuring, as it suggests improved security measures or reduced opportunities for such offences during this time of year.

Paignton's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 5.0% decline from the previous month's 8.0 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in local policing reports, where seasonal transitions often influence crime patterns. Daily crime figures for the month averaged 17 incidents per day, slightly below the previous month's rate but consistent with historical norms for this time of year. When scaled to the population of 67,912, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 132 residents, a figure that remains stable compared to prior months. This rate is comparable to other coastal towns in the South West, where similar seasonal factors—such as the end of the summer tourist season—tend to moderate crime levels. The drop in vehicle crime, which fell by 63.3% to 11 incidents from 30 in August, may reflect reduced traffic congestion and fewer overnight visitors during the transition to autumn. However, the population-scaled perspective highlights that even modest changes in crime volume can impact residents' perceptions of safety, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or commercial activity.