Paignton Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton's crime profile in May 2025 reflects a troubling upward trend, with the overall crime rate reaching 8.6 per 1,000 residents—6.2% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.6% of all reported incidents, while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson followed at 16.3% and 10.0% respectively. These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of coastal areas during May, when longer evenings and increased outdoor activity may contribute to higher levels of public disorder. The surge in violence and sexual offences, which are 20% above the UK average, raises concerns about safety in public spaces and the need for targeted interventions. While shoplifting and vehicle crime remain below national averages, the sharp rise in possession of weapons—now 8 incidents compared to one in April—suggests a significant shift in local crime dynamics. This could be linked to factors such as increased tourism, which brings both visitors and potential criminal activity, or changes in local policing strategies. The data also indicates that anti-social behaviour, though still a concern, is 1% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused initiatives may be having some effect in this category. However, the overall increase in violent crime underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the root causes of these trends.

May 2025 saw sharp increases in possession of weapons, which jumped 700% from one incident to eight, and theft from the person, which rose 150% to five reported cases. Public order offences also surged by 138.9%, reaching 43 incidents—a 3% increase above the UK average. These spikes contrast with declines in burglary (down 60% to six cases) and bicycle theft (down 50% to one case). The rise in violence and sexual offences, now 20% above the UK average, highlights a concerning trend in personal safety. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, where public order incidents and weapon possession have both increased sharply. The data also reveals that shoplifting and vehicle crime are below UK averages, suggesting targeted policing or community efforts may have had an impact in those categories.

Paignton's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, a 16.7% increase from April's 7.4 per 1,000. This places the area 6.2% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, 19 crimes were reported over the 31 days, translating to roughly one incident for every 116 residents during the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the frequency of crime relative to the population, though it does not account for variations in reporting or policing intensity. The rise in violence and sexual offences, which now account for 39.6% of all crimes, contrasts with declines in burglary and vehicle crime. These changes may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased outdoor socialising during longer evenings, though local context—including Paignton's status as a coastal tourist destination—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns.