St Bees Crime Rate

St Bees Crime Overview

St Bees is a highly secure coastal community with an overall crime rate of 38.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This exceptional safety is reflected in its safety score of 90/100, making it one of the safest areas in the region. While recent data indicates a 21.2% increase in crime year-over-year, this rise is relative to a very low baseline of incidents. The property crime rate is particularly impressive at just 11.0 per 1,000, compared to the national average of 32.9. Although violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, the actual volume of incidents remains low, confirming St Bees as a peaceful and desirable location for residents and visitors alike.

Crime Breakdown in St Bees

St Bees is an exceptionally safe coastal village, with violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type, accounting for 46.0% of all reported incidents (29 crimes). Criminal damage and arson follow at 14.3%, with public order offences making up 9.5%. Because the total number of crimes is low, even a small number of incidents can appear significant in percentage terms.

Property-related crime in St Bees is remarkably low, with a rate of just 11.0 per 1,000 people, far below the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is very rare, with only 3 incidents reported in the last year, representing just 4.8% of total crime. Other theft and vehicle crime are also infrequent, contributing 7.9% and 1.6% respectively. For residents and second-home owners, these statistics confirm that St Bees is a high-safety environment. The primary concern is maintaining the security of properties that may be left unattended, as the low volume of crime means that opportunistic offenders may target the area specifically for its perceived quietness. Standard security measures are highly effective here in maintaining this low-risk status.

Crime Trends in St Bees

The crime trend in St Bees is currently showing a 21.2% increase year-over-year. While this percentage seems high, it is important to note that it stems from a very low baseline of total offences. Monthly data reveals a fairly consistent but low-volume pattern, with the rate peaking at 6.1 per 1,000 in February 2025 and hitting a low of 0.6 in June 2025. Recent months, such as October 2025, show a rate of 3.7 per 1,000, which is well below the town's annual average. This suggests that the area remains remarkably safe, with the overall increase likely due to a small number of isolated incidents rather than a systemic rise in criminal activity. For residents, the outlook remains positive, as St Bees continues to be one of the most secure locations in the Copeland local authority.

How To Keep Safe in St Bees

Violence and sexual offences are the statistically highest crime type in St Bees, although the actual number of incidents is very low. In a small community, maintaining personal safety and awareness helps preserve the village's secure atmosphere.

To stay safe in St Bees, consider these suggestions:

• Be Mindful During the Evening: While the village is safe, it is always wise to stick to well-lit paths when walking home from the beach or local pubs in the evening.
• Secure Seasonal Properties: If you own a holiday home or are away for extended periods, ensure that all windows and doors are double-checked and that there are no visible signs of the property being empty.
• Report Unusual Activity: In a small community, residents often know what is normal. Reporting suspicious vehicles or individuals to the local non-emergency line can help prevent crime before it happens.
• Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Even in low-crime areas, opportunistic theft can occur. Ensure that bikes, garden tools, and car contents are not left visible or unsecured.

Crime Timing and Patterns in St Bees

Crime in St Bees follows a distinct pattern related to the village's daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon hours are primarily associated with theft-related incidents, which make up 39% and 42% of crimes in those periods respectively. This often involves opportunistic theft in public or commercial areas. As evening approaches, the focus shifts towards 'Other' offences, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, accounting for 68% of evening activity. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is the most critical for property security; despite low overall numbers, this is when burglary (18%) and vehicle crime (15%) reach their highest relative percentages. Residents are advised to ensure their homes and vehicles are fully secured before retiring for the night.

Nearby Areas Comparison

When compared to its neighbours, St Bees stands out for its high level of safety. It is significantly more secure than Egremont, which has a much higher crime rate of 111.8 per 1,000 people. It also compares favourably to Moor Row (34.1) and Thornhill (30.3), which are both safe areas but have slightly higher incident frequencies. The only area in the immediate vicinity with a lower crime rate is Bigrigg, which recorded zero crimes in the last period. For those seeking a coastal lifestyle with minimal statistical risk, St Bees offers a superior safety profile compared to the larger urban settlements nearby.

Protecting Your Property in St Bees

In a high-safety area like St Bees, where the property crime rate is a low 11.0 per 1,000, the goal of security is often to maintain the peace and protect against the rare opportunistic offender. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or recording cameras, are reactive; they notify you or provide evidence only after a break-in has occurred. In a quiet village, the damage and violation of a break-in can be particularly distressing, making prevention the most valuable strategy.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is ideally suited for the St Bees environment. By using intelligent monitoring to watch property boundaries, it can identify and deter potential intruders before they even reach your home. For residents, especially those with holiday homes or properties that may be left empty, the ability of scOS to autonomously respond—using lighting or audible alerts—provides a powerful deterrent. This professional-grade technology ensures that your property does not become the exception to the local low-crime statistics, stopping threats in real-time and providing true peace of mind.