Paignton Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 11.4% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure places the town in a safer position relative to national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 48.2% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 3.0 per 1,000—17% above the UK average. This category's prominence may reflect the area's social mix, combining a coastal resort population with a commuter base. Anti-social behaviour followed at 10.7%, but at a rate of 0.7 per 1,000, 25% below the UK average, suggesting effective community management in some areas. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and empty homes during holidays—likely influenced patterns, with shoplifting and vehicle crime typically rising but showing notable declines this month. This contrast may partly explain the overall rate's drop from November's 7.6 per 1,000. While the town's crime profile is shaped by its coastal resort character, the data illustrates a combination of seasonal factors and local initiatives. The relative safety of Paignton compared to the UK average could indicate successful crime prevention strategies, though the persistence of violence-related offences highlights ongoing challenges that warrant attention.

December 2025 witnessed the most dramatic month-on-month shift in public order offences, which surged by 66.7% (15 to 25 cases), a spike that may reflect the pressures of holiday crowds and dark evenings in a coastal resort area. This increase contrasts sharply with a 50% drop in shoplifting (56 to 28 cases), likely linked to reduced retail footfall during the festive period. Vehicle crime also rose by 15.4% (13 to 15 cases), possibly due to increased vehicle movements associated with holiday travel. Meanwhile, drug-related offences fell by 54.5% (22 to 10 cases), a reduction that may indicate seasonal patterns in substance use or enforcement activity. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, remain 17% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 25% below the UK average at 0.7 per 1,000, a statistic that could interest local residents seeking reassurance about community safety.

Paignton's crime rate in December 2025 dropped by 18.9% from 7.6 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents compared to November, reflecting a marked decline. This reduction aligns with the seasonal rhythm of the area, where holiday periods often see shifts in local activity and policing priorities. On average, 14 crimes were reported daily during the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 162 residents, a ratio that places Paignton 11.4% below the UK average. This lower exposure may partly explain the town's relatively safer profile compared to national trends, though local factors such as community engagement and tourist management likely contribute. The population context reveals that Paignton's crime levels remain proportionally lower than the UK average, suggesting effective local measures may be at play despite the usual challenges of a coastal resort area during peak holiday periods.