Cornwall Crime Rate

Cornwall maintains a strong reputation for safety, with an overall crime rate of 73.1 per 1,000 people for the period of December 2024 to November 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 82/100. When compared to the UK average safety score of 79/100, Cornwall stands out as a secure region for both residents and visitors. The recent crime trend is described as stable, showing a minor year-over-year change of 3.2%. This consistency suggests that despite the county's popularity as a tourist destination and its diverse geography, law enforcement and community safety initiatives continue to be effective. The data provided offers a comprehensive look at the local crime landscape, helping individuals make informed decisions about safety in the area.

Cornwall is a unique local authority area characterised by its rugged coastline, rural heartlands, and prominent tourism industry. As a largely peninsula-based region, its demographics are influenced by a mix of permanent residential populations and a significant seasonal influx of visitors, particularly during the summer months. This transient population can impact crime statistics, especially in coastal hubs like Newquay and St Ives. The area is home to diverse sectors, including agriculture, fishing, and a growing renewable energy industry. While many parts of Cornwall are deeply rural and experience very low crime, larger urban centres like Truro, Camborne, and Falmouth serve as commercial and transport hubs where higher densities of activity occur. Economic factors, including the seasonal nature of employment and pockets of deprivation in former industrial areas, also play a role in the local crime landscape. The presence of major transport links like the A30 and various branch lines connects these disparate communities, influencing the movement of people and, occasionally, criminal activity across the local authority.

In Cornwall, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 18,271 incidents, representing 42.9% of all reported crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.4% and criminal damage and arson at 10.2%. For residents and property owners, understanding the broader property crime landscape is essential. Total property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—stands at 20.8 per 1,000 people. While this is considerably lower than the UK average of 32.3, it still necessitates proactive security measures. Burglary specifically occurs at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 people, making up 2.2% of the total crime. Vehicle crime is also relatively low at 1.4 per 1,000. For homeowners, the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that external property boundaries and visible security deterrents are important factors in maintaining a safe environment. Despite these figures, Cornwall remains one of the safer regions in the UK, with property crime rates significantly below national benchmarks.

The crime trend in Cornwall is currently classified as stable, with a year-over-year change of 3.2%. A month-by-month analysis of the data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a clear seasonal pattern. Crime rates were at their lowest in December 2024 (4.9) and February 2025 (5.1). However, as the region moved into the spring and summer months, activity increased, peaking in July 2025 at 7.3 per 1,000 people. This peak aligns with the height of the tourist season, which typically sees a significant increase in the transient population. Following the summer high, the rate gradually declined through the autumn, reaching 5.8 by November 2025. This predictable cycle suggests that while crime does fluctuate with the seasons, the underlying volume remains consistent year-on-year. For residents, this stability indicates a reliable safety environment, though increased vigilance during the busy summer months is always advisable.

When examining the regional context, Cornwall's crime rate of 73.1 per 1,000 residents is compared against several nearby Devon-based authorities. Plymouth, West Devon, South Hams, Torridge, Teignbridge, and Torbay all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people for this period. While Cornwall's figure appears higher in this specific comparison, it is important to note that Cornwall's rate remains well below the national average. These neighbouring areas in Devon represent some of the lowest crime environments in the country. For those considering the wider South West region, Cornwall offers a very high level of safety, even if these specific neighbouring districts show exceptionally low statistical activity.

With a property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people in Cornwall, maintaining a secure home environment is a priority for many residents. While traditional security systems like Ring or Nest have become common, they are fundamentally reactive, often only providing footage of a crime after it has already taken place. For true peace of mind, a proactive approach is required. The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By detecting potential threats at the property boundary, scOS uses autonomous responses—such as activating smart lighting or engaging speakers—to deter intruders before they can attempt a break-in. This "intelligence at the edge" approach is particularly effective in Cornwall's varied residential settings, from isolated rural homes to busy town terraces. Moving from simple recording to active prevention ensures that your property is not just watched, but actively protected against the 2.2% of crimes that are burglaries and the 10.2% that involve criminal damage.

How To Keep Safe in Cornwall

The most prevalent crime type in Cornwall is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 42.9% of all reported incidents. While this category covers a wide range of offences, staying safe involves general awareness and proactive habits. When enjoying Cornwall's nightlife or visiting busy coastal towns, always try to stay in well-lit areas and travel with friends where possible. If you are using public transport or taxis, ensure they are licensed and share your journey details with someone you trust. In more rural settings, be mindful of your surroundings during solo walks and keep a charged mobile phone with you at all times. For your home, ensure that external lighting is functional to deter unwanted visitors and consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any local issues. Awareness of your environment is the most effective tool for personal safety across the local authority area.