Cornwall Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a region of 583,289 residents, 4,007 crimes reported in May 2025 translates to 6.9 incidents per 1,000 people—14.8% below the UK average of 8.1. This rate positions Cornwall as one of the safer areas in England, though local patterns reveal distinct dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime landscape, accounting for 40% of all reports, a figure aligned with the UK average. Anti-social behaviour follows at 20.9%, slightly below the national rate. These figures are consistent with Cornwall’s character as a coastal district with a mix of rural and urban areas, where seasonal factors like extended evenings and bank holidays in May may influence social interactions and public order. The relatively low levels of property crime—particularly shoplifting, which is 40% below the UK average—suggest effective policing in retail areas or a lower density of high-footfall commercial hubs compared to major cities. However, criminal damage and arson remain 17% above the national average, a trend that may reflect the region’s expansive rural spaces and seasonal outdoor activities. The breakdown illustrates how geography and local rhythms shape crime patterns, with violence and anti-social behaviour more prevalent in town centres and coastal resorts, while property crimes are more evenly distributed across the district.

May 2025 saw a 15.5% increase in the overall crime rate compared to April, driven by notable shifts in specific categories. Anti-social behaviour rose by 28%, from 654 to 837 incidents, a change consistent with the extended daylight hours and increased outdoor socialising typical of May in Cornwall. This category’s 1% below the UK average suggests local efforts in community engagement may be tempering escalation. Meanwhile, possession of weapons surged by 81.5%, with reports rising from 27 to 49. This spike, though small in absolute terms, warrants closer attention given the potential link to seasonal gatherings or events in the region. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 30%, from 10 to 7, possibly reflecting fewer commuters cycling during the school term or improved security measures. The drugs category also increased by 55.6%, from 54 to 84, a trend that may reflect the interplay of tourism and local demographics. Notably, theft from the person remained 100% below the UK average, a statistic that may illustrate the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns or the lower density of tourist hotspots compared to other regions.

The crime rate in May 2025 (6.9 per 1,000 residents) represents a 15.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.0 per 1,000, a shift that underscores the volatility of crime statistics over short periods. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 129 crimes reported each day—equivalent to one incident for every 146 residents. When scaled to the local population, this rate remains significantly below the UK average, with Cornwall’s residents facing a 14.8% lower risk of crime than the national average. The 1-in-146 figure provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that while crime is not absent, it remains relatively rare in comparison to other parts of the country. This context is particularly relevant in Cornwall, where the mix of rural and coastal communities may contribute to lower property crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas. However, the increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where social interactions intensify during the spring season. The daily crime context also serves as a reminder that while the overall rate is low, vigilance remains important, especially in areas with higher concentrations of transient populations or during events that draw larger crowds.