Paignton Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton's overall crime rate in April 2025 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 3.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This places the area among the safer built-up areas in the country, though the crime profile reflects the characteristics of a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.8%) and criminal damage and arson (8.2%). These figures align with Paignton's identity as a seaside resort, where high foot traffic in public spaces may contribute to incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors in April, such as the Easter period and increased outdoor activity, may partly explain the prevalence of certain crimes, though the rate remains stable compared to the same period in previous years. The relatively low levels of burglary (3.0%) and vehicle crime (3.2%) suggest that the area's property crime profile is distinct from more densely populated urban centres. However, the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour indicates a need for continued focus on community safety initiatives, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and local residents during peak seasonal periods.

April 2025 saw several notable shifts in crime patterns, with burglary increasing by 87.5% compared to March, a significant rise from 8 to 15 incidents. This jump may be linked to seasonal changes, such as increased property activity during the Easter period or temporary disruptions in local security measures. Conversely, public order offences decreased by 33.3%, from 27 to 18 incidents, potentially reflecting the impact of Easter-related community events or improved policing in key areas. Theft from the person also rose sharply by 100%, with two incidents reported in April compared to one in March. Paignton's shoplifting rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents was 9% below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggesting that local retail environments may be more effectively managed than the national average. Meanwhile, vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) were both 47% and 26% below UK averages respectively, highlighting the area's relatively secure infrastructure for property crime. These divergences from national trends underscore the unique dynamics of a coastal town with a strong retail presence and limited high-density housing.

Paignton's crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 in April 2025 was nearly identical to the previous month's rate of 7.3 per 1,000, indicating a stable trend over the short term. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 17 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents to gauge local safety in relation to broader UK patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 136 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average of 1 in 130 residents (based on national statistics). This suggests that Paignton's population faces a slightly lower risk of encountering crime compared to the UK as a whole, though the local profile of crimes differs significantly. The area's population of 67,912 means that individual risk is distributed across a relatively large community, which may contribute to the lower per capita crime rate. While the overall stability of the crime rate is reassuring, the specific increases in burglary and theft from the person highlight areas where targeted interventions could further reduce risks for residents and visitors alike.