Keswick Crime Rate

Keswick is a renowned tourist destination in the Lake District, and its crime statistics reflect its role as a busy visitor hub. The town maintains an impressive safety score of 89/100, significantly higher than the UK average of 78/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 48.2 per 1,000 people, which is well below the national average of 93.1. However, it is important to note that crime in Keswick has seen a sharp year-over-year increase of 33.2%. This rise, while starting from a low base, suggests a changing safety landscape that residents and business owners should monitor. The following sections explore the specific crime types, time patterns, and safety recommendations for the Keswick area.

Crime Breakdown in Keswick

Keswick's crime profile is primarily shaped by its status as a major tourism hub. Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, accounting for 36.6% of the total, with a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is also significant at 15.1%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.4%. These figures often reflect the high volume of visitors to the town, which can lead to increased incidents in public and retail spaces.

Property crime in Keswick, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people. While this is well below the UK average of 32.9, it remains a priority for local businesses and homeowners. Within this category, criminal damage and arson make up 10.3% of all crime, while other theft accounts for 6.2%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively rare, representing 2.3% and 2.5% of total incidents respectively. For residents, this suggests that while the town is generally very safe, the high transient population during peak seasons necessitates sensible precautions to protect against opportunistic theft and vandalism.

Crime Trends in Keswick

Keswick is currently experiencing a notable upward trend in reported crime, with a year-over-year increase of 33.2%. This significant percentage rise, though starting from a relatively low overall number of offences, indicates a change in the local safety environment. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, often peaking during the busier tourist months.

The highest crime rate was recorded in April 2025 at 5.5 per 1,000 people, followed closely by July 2025 at 5.1 and June 2025 at 5.0. These peaks coincide with major holiday periods and seasonal events in the Lake District. Conversely, the lowest rate was recorded in October 2025 at 2.1, with another low point in January 2025 at 2.2. This seasonal pattern suggests that crime in Keswick is heavily influenced by visitor numbers. For residents, these trends highlight the importance of maintaining high security standards, especially during the town's busiest periods.

How To Keep Safe in Keswick

The most common crime type in Keswick is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated in the town centre's busy social areas. To maintain your safety, especially during peak tourist seasons, consider these tips:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas such as Market Square, where high footfall can lead to opportunistic theft or anti-social behaviour.
2. If you are enjoying the town's nightlife, try to stay with a group and plan your route home through well-lit, populated streets.
3. Retailers should be particularly vigilant during the afternoon, as shoplifting is a significant contributor to local crime statistics.
4. Secure your vehicle and remove all valuables, particularly when parking at popular trailheads or in town centre car parks, to deter opportunistic vehicle crime.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; community reporting helps the police allocate resources effectively during busy periods.

Crime Time Patterns in Keswick

Crime in Keswick is closely tied to the town's daily rhythm. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 47% of incidents as shops open and visitors arrive. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft rises to 52% of total reports. These daylight hours are the most active for retail-related crime and opportunistic theft in public spaces.

As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' offences, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 58% of reports. This reflects the activity in the town's pubs and restaurants. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall volume is lower, the relative risk of vehicle crime increases significantly to 28%, and burglary accounts for 15% of incidents. These patterns suggest that while personal safety is a focus during the day and evening, property and vehicle security are most vulnerable in the early morning hours.

Keswick serves as the primary service and tourist centre for several smaller, exceptionally safe villages. Nearby Portinscale, Braithwaite, and Howbeck all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, making them some of the safest locations in the country. When compared to the larger town of Cockermouth, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 48.6, Keswick sits comfortably within the regional average for larger settlements. However, it remains vastly safer than the coastal hub of Workington (144.1). For those in the northern Lake District, Keswick is the main area where criminal activity is recorded, primarily due to its high footfall and commercial activity.

Keswick has a property crime rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people, which is relatively low but still represents a risk to local homeowners and businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or standard burglar alarms, are reactive. They either sound an alert after a break-in has occurred or provide footage of the crime after the fact. For holiday home owners or residents in a town with a high transient population, a more advanced solution is often preferred.

scOS provides a proactive security operating system that uses AI to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect an intruder at the edge of your property, long before they attempt to enter. The system's intelligence allows it to recognise your family and regular visitors, while identifying suspicious patterns. In an area like Keswick, where crime is currently on the rise, scOS offers the ability to intervene in real-time with autonomous deterrents like lights and audio. This proactive approach ensures your property is protected 24/7, providing peace of mind whether you are at home or away.