Alcohol-related crime up more than 25% in city

The number of incidents of alcohol-related crime went up by more than 25% in Plymouth city centre from 2023 to 2025, a report has said.

Plymouth City Council's cabinet agreed on Monday to extend a public spaces protection order (PSPO) to run until October 2029.

The PSPO, which is in force across the whole of the city, allows police officers to ask people to stop drinking or give up their alcohol when officers think it might lead to anti-social behaviour.

A report for the council said there was a "need for ongoing interventions that address alcohol-related disorder, nuisance behaviour, and issues affecting residents, visitors and businesses".

There were 321 alcohol-related criminal offences in Plymouth in 2023, increasing to 389 in 2024 and 408 in 2025, according to the Plymouth City Council report.

The report said alcohol remained "a key contributory factor in crime and disorder across the city".

Chris Penberthy, Labour cabinet member for community development, told colleagues the PSPO had been "an important tool in helping the council, Devon and Cornwall Police and our partners to address alcohol-related nuisance, disorder and anti-social behaviour across the city".

More than 200 people took part in a public consultation regarding the PSPO with more than 90% of respondents either agreeing or strongly agreeing that alcohol-related anti-social behaviour was an issue in the city.

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