Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel Crime Rate

Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel, located in the Cornwall local authority, is an exceptionally safe built-up area. With a population of 3,225, it boasts an overall crime rate of just 24.5 per 1,000 residents—nearly 75% lower than the UK average of 93.1. This remarkable figure is reflected in a superior safety score of 94 out of 100, placing it among the most secure settlements in the United Kingdom. Although there has been a 29.5% increase in reported crime over the last year, this rise is from a very low baseline and does not significantly impact the area's overall safety standing. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, trends, and time-based insights to help you understand the local security landscape in detail.

Crime in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel

The crime profile of Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.6% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson (13.9%) and other theft (11.4%) are the next most frequent categories. Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is exceptionally low in this area, with a combined rate of only 9.0 per 1,000 people. This is less than a third of the UK average for property crime (32.9). Within this group, burglary accounts for 5.1% of total crime, with only 4 incidents recorded annually. While vehicle crime and theft from the person are also rare, the low volume of property crime means that residents and homeowners enjoy a high level of physical security. However, the fact that 23% of night-time crimes are burglaries suggests that when property crime does occur, it often happens under the cover of darkness, making overnight security a sensible precaution for the community.

Crime Trends in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel

The crime trend in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel has shown a 29.5% increase over the last year. However, it is important to contextualise this percentage within the area's very low overall crime volume. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a relatively stable baseline, with rates typically between 0.9 and 2.5 per 1,000 residents. A small peak was observed in June 2025, when the rate reached 3.1, before returning to lower levels. The consistent monthly rates—such as the 2.2 recorded in July, August, and September 2024—suggest that the area does not suffer from significant seasonal spikes. The overall increase likely reflects a small number of additional reported incidents rather than a fundamental shift in local safety. Residents should feel reassured that despite the upward percentage trend, the community remains one of the safest in the region.

How To Keep Safe in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel

The highest crime category in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel is violence and sexual offences, though the absolute number of incidents is low. Personal safety can be maintained by staying aware of your surroundings, especially when walking between the two settlements after dark. The rural nature of the area means some paths can be poorly lit, so carrying a torch or using well-used routes is advisable. Other theft is the third most common crime, often involving opportunistic theft from gardens or outbuildings. To prevent this, ensure that all garden tools, bicycles, and valuable equipment are stored in locked sheds or garages. Criminal damage is also a factor, so keeping your property's exterior well-maintained and using motion-activated lighting can deter minor vandalism. Finally, because the community is small, getting to know your neighbours and participating in local social groups is one of the best ways to maintain the area's excellent safety record through mutual vigilance.

Crime in Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel exhibits clear patterns based on the time of day. Morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are the busiest periods for reported activity, with theft accounting for a significant 55% and 57% of crimes respectively. This suggests that the majority of local crime is opportunistic and occurs during daylight hours. As evening (6pm-12am) falls, the nature of crime shifts, with 'other' crimes—such as anti-social behaviour or public order offences—making up 50% of the total. The night-time period (12am-6am), while very quiet overall, sees a shift in the types of offences committed; burglary rises to 23% and vehicle crime to 18% of the nocturnal total. This indicates that while the overall risk is low, properties and vehicles are most vulnerable to specific types of crime during the late-night and early-morning hours. Understanding these shifts helps residents stay vigilant during the most relevant periods.

In the context of the surrounding Cornwall region, Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel is a very safe community. While it has a slightly higher crime rate (24.5) than immediate neighbours like Chilsworthy, Clampits, Harrowbarrow, and Calstock—all of which reported zero crimes—it remains incredibly safe by any standard comparison. These neighbouring settlements are smaller and more rural, which accounts for their lack of reported incidents. For residents, Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel offers a perfect balance of community amenities and a level of security that is far superior to most other parts of the UK, maintaining a safety score that is 16 points higher than the national average.

While Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel is one of the safest areas in the country, the property crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents—and the fact that 23% of night-time crimes are burglaries—means that homeowners should still consider effective security. In low-crime areas, a single incident can feel particularly invasive. Traditional security cameras often serve only as a way to watch a crime happen, providing little help in the moment. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, changes this by focusing on proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles of your property simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the boundary. It doesn't wait for a break-in; it uses autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter intruders immediately. For residents in such a peaceful area, scOS offers the benefit of 'quiet' security—learning your family's routines and only alerting you to real threats. This proactive approach ensures that Gunnislake and St Ann's Chapel remains the safe haven you expect it to be.