Bude Crime Rate

Bude, Cornwall, recorded a crime rate of 83.1 per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, however, it’s important to consider the area’s size and demographics. The recent trend shows a decrease in crime, falling by -15.3% year-on-year, suggesting improving safety. Violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported crime types, highlighting particular areas of concern. Understanding these statistics and trends is crucial for residents and visitors alike.

The crime landscape in Bude is shaped by its coastal location and close-knit community. While the overall crime rate is relatively low compared to the UK average, specific crime types contribute to the statistics. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of reported incidents, accounting for 35.1% of all crimes. Shoplifting is also a notable concern, impacting local businesses and contributing to 17.4% of reported crime. Anti-social behaviour accounts for another 13.7%, often linked to public spaces and gatherings. The lower incidence of burglary (2.2% of crimes) suggests a degree of community security, though vigilance remains important. The presence of other theft and public order offences further define the crime profile, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to community safety.

The decreasing crime rate of -15.3% year-on-year indicates a positive trend in safety for Bude. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout 2025. January and February saw relatively low rates (7.0 and 6.9 per 1,000 respectively), followed by a slight increase in March (8.0 per 1,000). April experienced a dip (6.3 per 1,000), with a steady decline throughout the summer months, culminating in a significantly lower rate of 4.3 per 1,000 in December. This consistent downward trend suggests effective crime prevention strategies and community engagement are having a positive impact.

How To Keep Safe in Bude

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s advisable to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially at night. Consider travelling in groups and being aware of your surroundings. With shoplifting being a significant concern, support local businesses by being observant and reporting any suspicious activity. Lock your vehicles and secure valuables to mitigate vehicle crime. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report incidents to the relevant authorities. Finally, ensure your home is securely locked and consider installing visible security measures to deter potential burglars.

Crime patterns in Bude vary throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent crime, often linked to commercial activities. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a similar trend, with theft remaining dominant. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), burglary and violence begin to emerge, with a shift in crime types towards public spaces. The night (12am-6am) witnesses a peak in burglary and vehicle crime, highlighting potential vulnerabilities during these quieter hours. Understanding these patterns can help residents and visitors be more aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Comparing Bude's crime rate to neighbouring areas reveals a varied picture. Stratton, for example, has a significantly lower rate of 62.6 per 1,000, while Poughill and Marhamchurch report zero crimes. Widemouth Bay also shows a very low rate. These differences highlight that crime is not evenly distributed across the region and suggests that factors beyond geographical proximity influence crime rates.

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