Plymouth Crime Rate: Latest Statistics & Safety Guide
Plymouth's crime rate sits above the national average, but the full picture is more complex. Some neighborhoods feel genuinely unsafe, while others are quiet, family-friendly, and perfectly fine.
Let's take a look at Plymouth's crime rate and the most recent data to explain how safe it is, highlighting its safest and most dangerous areas.
Is Plymouth Safe? Latest Plymouth Crime Statistics
In 2026, the overall crime rate of Plymouth is 84 per 1,000 residents, which is 36% higher than Devon's crime rate of 61 per 1,000 residents. This places it in the top 20 most dangerous towns, villages, and cities in Devon.
If you want to see how your specific area compares to these local statistics, you can check regional trends using the Reolink postcode crime checker.
- National Ranking: Plymouth is the 26th safest city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the 905th most dangerous location out of all nationwide towns, cities, and villages.
- Historical Data: Total reported crimes in 2025 were 25,007, with a crime rate of 84.53 (1.14 times the national average).
- The Silver Lining: The 10-year trend indicates a decrease of 21% in Plymouth's crime risk score.
Which Crimes Are Most Common in Plymouth?
- Violence and Sexual Offenses: The most common crime in Plymouth in 2026, with 12,775 reported crimes and a rate of 42.94 (1.41 times the national average).
- Anti-Social Behavior: Plymouth has become the worst city in Devon for anti-social behavior, recording 4,628 cases (a rate of 15.57).
- Shoplifting: Becoming more common, though still lower than the national average.
12-Month Crime Data (March 2025 – March 2026)
What Factors Affect Crime Rates in Plymouth?
Plymouth has the highest crime rate in the South West. This is driven by three structural factors:
- The Regional Hub Effect: As the only major city in the area, all major crimes in Devon and Cornwall are referred to Plymouth for specialist policing. The city center concentrates nightlife, shopping, and transport, inflating numbers compared to surrounding rural areas.
- Significant Deprivation: According to the English Indices of Deprivation, several Plymouth neighborhoods rank among the most deprived, which is consistently linked to higher rates of theft, criminal damage, and public order offenses.
- Socio-Economic Factors & Students: The city has higher unemployment than the national average. It also hosts a large student population, which brings energy but also results in higher reports of bicycle theft and accommodation burglaries.
- Walkable Layout: Plymouth has a compact, walkable city center. While great for tourists, it allows offenders to move quickly between residential streets and commercial areas.
Safe and Dangerous Areas in Plymouth
Crime in Plymouth is intensely localized. The city center generates the vast majority of offenses, while outer suburbs see rates closer to or below the national average.
The Safest Areas in Plymouth
- Plympton: This historic town on Plymouth's eastern edge has a crime rate nearly half the city's average. Most crime here is minor vehicle-related rather than violent. It consistently ranks as the safest part of the city.
- Plymstock: Located south of the River Plym, it offers suburban housing and coastal walks. Low crime is recorded across all categories, and violent crime is particularly rare.
- Woolwell: Situated north of the city near Dartmoor, this modern housing estate boasts very low crime. It is quiet, family-focused, and residents report feeling safe walking alone at any time.
- Stoke (Northern Section): The northern end near Devonport Park has lower crime than the section closer to the city center. Property crime is the main concern, while violent crime remains well below the city average.
The Most Dangerous Areas in Plymouth
- City Centre: Concentrates nightlife, shopping, and transport. In March 2026 alone, 465 crimes were reported here (including 183 violent/sexual offenses, 78 anti-social behavior cases, and 58 shoplifting incidents). The area near Union Street is particularly high-risk after dark.
- Stonehouse: Located between the city center and Devonport, this area faces high levels of deprivation. Violent crime is significantly elevated, drug offenses are common, and the area near the railway station sees frequent public order incidents.
- Devonport: This former naval area has pockets of high deprivation. While the dockyard is generally safe, residential estates further north experience higher rates of violence, criminal damage, and persistent vehicle crime.
- Mutley: Dominated by student housing and late-night takeaways. Police report very high levels of anti-social behavior, public order offenses, burglary, and bicycle theft.
How to Stay Safe in Plymouth?
- Avoid Union Street late at night: This area has the highest concentration of violent crime. If you socialise near the center, pre-book a taxi for late finishes instead of waiting on empty streets.
- Lock your bike with two different locks: Bicycle theft is common in Mutley and near the university. Use a sturdy D-lock through the frame and a cable lock for the wheels. Register your bike on BikeRegister.
- Do not leave valuables in your car: Remove sat-navs, chargers, and bags from plain sight, and park in well-lit areas.
- Stay aware in crowded spaces: Keep phones in front pockets and use cross-body bags with zippers facing your body to prevent pickpocketing near the train station or on match days.
Home Security Recommendations
Opting for a security camera allows you to keep an eye on your belongings and loved ones remotely with live previews and real-time alerts.
- For Wired Outdoor Security: The Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight Wi-Fi is an excellent 4K choice. It features a powerful 3000-lumen dimmable floodlight, dual lenses for close-up and wide-angle views, automatic motion tracking, local storage, and a built-in intruder alarm.
Smart 4K 360° Coverage Wi-Fi Floodlight Security Camera
Local AI Video Search, 4K 8MP Ultra HD, 360° Coverage View, 6X Hybrid Zoom, Dual-Color Floodlight.
- For Temporary or Rental Setups: The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a wireless, battery-powered option with an accompanying solar panel. It features a massive 500-day battery life, pan-and-tilt motion tracking, 4K resolution, ColorX night vision, and Wi-Fi 6 support.
Industry-leading 4K Continuous Recording Battery Camera
4K UHD Continuous Recording; ColorX Night Vision; Pan & Tilt; Automatic Tracking; All Recordings Stored Locally.
FAQs
Is Plymouth, UK, a nice place to live?
Yes, if you pick the right neighborhood. Areas like Plympton and Plymstock are genuinely safe and family-friendly. The city offers great access to the sea, Dartmoor, and boasts more affordable housing than Bristol or Exeter.
Does Plymouth have a low crime rate?
No. Plymouth's crime rate is 36% higher than the South West regional average and 16% higher than the national average, making it the most dangerous city in Devon.
Is Plymouth safe at night?
It depends on the area. In the city center and on Union Street, use caution after 10 PM. In suburban areas like Plympton and Plymstock, the risk is much lower. Stick to well-lit streets and use licensed taxis.
Conclusion
Plymouth's crime rate is the highest in Devon and the South West, largely because it acts as the region's primary urban hub (accounting for 25% of all crime in Devon and Cornwall). While Stonehouse and Mutley have real problems and Union Street requires caution after dark, areas like Plympton and Plymstock remain genuinely safe. Staying safe simply requires being mindful of where you go and taking basic precautions.
Search
Subscribe for the Latest Updates
Security insights & offers right into your inbox