Paignton Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Paignton’s crime rate in September 2025 remained stable at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, exactly matching the UK average. This figure, while consistent nationally, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.1% of all reported incidents, a share significantly higher than the UK average, suggesting that this category remains a key concern for local authorities. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also featured prominently, with the latter being 15% above the UK average. These trends align with the area’s character as a coastal resort, where retail and leisure activities drive certain crime types. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to local schools and universities—likely contributed to the 17.3% month-on-month decline in crime, as structured routines may have reduced opportunities for late-night disturbances. However, the rise in ‘other crime’ and possession of weapons indicates that new challenges are emerging, warranting closer examination. The drop in burglary rates, now 29% below the UK average, may be linked to increased police presence or seasonal factors such as the closure of summer tourist facilities. This data underscores the importance of contextualising crime patterns within Paignton’s unique social and geographical landscape, where tourism, education, and seasonal transitions play a significant role in shaping local crime dynamics. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime and theft from the person, both below the UK average by 50% and 23% respectively, suggest that certain aspects of the area’s infrastructure or community engagement are effective in deterring these offences. However, the persistent gap in violence and sexual offences above the national average highlights the need for targeted strategies to address this disparity. Overall, the September 2025 data illustrates a combination of national trends and local conditions, requiring a nuanced approach to crime prevention and community safety.

September 2025 saw a 26.4% decrease in violent crimes, from 280 to 206 incidents, likely influenced by the return of students to local schools and universities, which may have reduced late-night disturbances. Conversely, the category ‘other crime’ rose sharply by 75%, from 8 to 14 reported incidents, indicating unexplained shifts in criminal activity that require further scrutiny. Burglary rates fell by 45%, from 20 to 11 cases, potentially linked to increased police patrols or seasonal factors such as the closure of summer tourist accommodations. Violence and sexual offences in Paignton remain 16% above the UK average, a figure that contrasts with the overall rate matching the national average. This discrepancy highlights the need to address specific local challenges, such as the higher prevalence of anti-social behaviour, which is 3% above the UK average. Residents may find the decline in vehicle crime—down 44% to 14 cases—particularly reassuring, as this category is 50% below the UK average. The sharp increase in possession of weapons, up 16.7% to 7 cases, suggests a need for targeted interventions in specific areas or communities.

Paignton’s crime rate in September 2025 fell by 17.3% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.9 to 7.4 crimes per 1,000 residents—a figure that matches the UK average. This decline, while consistent with broader UK trends, reflects local seasonal dynamics. With September marking the return to structured routines after summer, the reduction in late-night disturbances aligns with the area’s coastal character, where tourist activity typically peaks in the summer months. On a daily basis, Paignton recorded approximately 17 reported crimes in September, translating to one crime for every 136 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure, while statistically consistent with national averages, underscores the importance of local factors such as the town’s proximity to Torbay’s tourist infrastructure and its reliance on seasonal economies. The drop in violent crimes and property offences suggests that the transition to the academic year may have had a measurable impact on crime patterns, though the rise in ‘other crime’ and possession of weapons indicates that certain challenges persist. These shifts highlight the need for ongoing analysis of how local rhythms—such as the return of students to local schools and universities—interact with broader crime trends.