Cornwall Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Cornwall

Cornwall records an overall crime rate of 72.8 per 1,000 people per year, placing it below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This is reflected in a safety score of 83 out of 100, which is notably higher than the UK average of 78, suggesting Cornwall is a comparatively safer area. However, recent trends indicate an increase in crime, with a 10.2% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for the more detailed crime data and trends within the region.

Factors Influencing Crime Statistics in Cornwall

Cornwall, as a large, predominantly rural and coastal local authority district, presents a unique set of characteristics that contribute to its crime statistics. Its vast geographical spread, combined with numerous smaller towns and villages, means crime patterns can vary significantly across the region. The area's strong reliance on tourism, particularly during peak summer months, can lead to seasonal fluctuations in certain crime types, such as theft and anti-social behaviour, as visitor numbers increase.

The population of over 580,000 residents is distributed across diverse communities, from bustling coastal resorts to tranquil inland areas. Transport hubs, while not as dense as major cities, still see transient populations. Economic factors, including employment opportunities and deprivation levels in certain pockets, can also play a role in influencing crime rates. Understanding this blend of rurality, coastal tourism, and varied population dynamics provides insight into why Cornwall experiences its specific crime rate and safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.0% of all reported incidents with 17,856 crimes (30.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 18.1% of crimes (7,683 incidents, 13.2 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson rank third, representing 10.2% of the total with 4,330 reported cases (7.4 per 1,000).

Property-related crime in Cornwall, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, and other theft, stands at 20.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively lower risk for homeowners and residents regarding property security. For those living in or owning property in Cornwall, understanding these specific crime patterns can help inform personal security measures and awareness.

Crime Trends in Cornwall

Cornwall has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 10.2% rise in overall crime year-over-year. Analysing the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw a dip towards the end of 2024, reaching 4.9 in December, before rising in early 2025 to 6.0 in March and April. A notable peak occurred in July 2025 with 7.3 crimes per 1,000, aligning with the summer months when activity might increase. This upward trajectory suggests a need for continued monitoring and community safety initiatives for residents.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Cornwall to its neighbouring areas, it generally maintains a favourable position in terms of safety. Plymouth, a larger urban centre, often presents a different crime profile due to its city characteristics. West Devon, South Hams, and Torridge are typically more rural, and their crime rates can vary depending on local dynamics. Teignbridge and Torbay, both coastal areas, share some similarities with Cornwall, particularly in seasonal crime patterns linked to tourism. Understanding these regional differences provides valuable context for residents and those considering moving to the area.

Enhancing Property Protection in Cornwall

Given Cornwall's property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it's still prudent for residents to consider robust security measures. While traditional CCTV systems offer footage after an incident, proactive protection is key to preventing crime before it occurs. If you are seeking to truly safeguard your home, consider solutions that offer real-time intervention.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime at your property boundary, rather than merely recording it after a break-in. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, these systems watch all cameras simultaneously and learn your routines to only alert on genuine threats. This proactive approach ensures that potential intruders are detected and deterred before they can gain entry. Visible professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, often making burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds, unlike DIY systems that only notify you after the fact.