Cornwall Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cornwall’s August 2025 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents places it 14.8% below the UK average, a position that underscores the area’s unique socio-economic and geographic characteristics. As a coastal region with a strong tourism sector, Cornwall’s crime profile is shaped by seasonal rhythms: the summer months see increased foot traffic in coastal towns, which may contribute to higher public order offences and anti-social behaviour, while rural areas experience lower property crime rates. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category at 42.7% of total crimes, align with the UK average, suggesting no marked divergence in violent crime trends. However, the area’s anti-social behaviour rate is 18% below the national average, a discrepancy that may reflect community policing efforts or the influence of Cornwall’s relatively tight-knit local networks. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month—also illustrates a notable trend: while burglary rates are 63% below the UK average, the combination of empty homes during the summer and increased tourist activity may create a paradoxical environment where property crimes are low but public order issues rise. This interplay between tourism and local demographics offers a lens through which to view Cornwall’s crime patterns, though the data does not confirm a direct causal link between these factors and the observed trends.

August 2025 saw a 27.7% drop in shoplifting, a stark contrast to the 66.7% rise in bicycle theft—a shift that may reflect seasonal changes in activity. Public order offences, up 18.8% from July, highlight tensions in areas with high tourist footfall during the peak holiday season. Meanwhile, burglary fell 18.6%, possibly linked to increased home security measures during summer months. The breakdown of violent crimes—accounting for 42.7% of total incidents—aligns with the UK average, suggesting no significant divergence in violent crime trends. However, anti-social behaviour remains markedly lower than the UK average, at 18% below, potentially indicating effective local policing strategies or community-focused interventions. For residents, the 52% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible reassurance in retail areas.

Cornwall’s August 2025 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 5.5% decline from July’s 7.3 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend that has positioned the area significantly below the UK average. This reduction, though modest, reflects a broader pattern of stability in a region where tourism and seasonal dynamics often influence crime patterns. The daily context reveals 130 crimes reported each day, equating to one incident for every 145 residents—a figure that, while concerning, remains notably lower than the UK’s average of 8.1 per 1,000. When scaled to Cornwall’s population of 583,289, this translates to a manageable burden compared to national benchmarks. The area’s geography, with its mix of coastal towns and rural expanses, may contribute to this disparity: rural isolation can deter certain crimes, while urban centres see higher anti-social behaviour reports. However, the interplay of these factors remains unclear without deeper local data.