Cornwall Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Cornwall recorded 4,007 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1, reflecting a consistent pattern of lower crime levels compared to the rest of the country. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (40% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.9%) and criminal damage and arson (10.6%). These figures align with Cornwall's characteristics as a rural and coastal region, where community cohesion and open spaces may contribute to lower overall crime rates. However, the seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, extended daylight hours, and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the higher incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour. While violent crime rates matched the UK average, other categories showed divergence: criminal damage and arson were 17% above the UK average, linked to isolated properties or seasonal maintenance activities. Conversely, shoplifting, public order offences, and vehicle crime were all significantly below UK levels, due to lower population density and fewer commercial hubs compared to urban areas. The data highlights both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Cornwall's crime profile, with specific categories requiring targeted attention while overall trends suggest a relatively safe environment for residents.

Month-on-month changes in May 2025 revealed sharp increases in specific categories: possession of weapons surged by 81.5% (27 to 49), and drug-related crimes rose 55.6% (54 to 84). These jumps, though modest in absolute numbers, may signal emerging local challenges. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 28.0%, potentially linked to longer evenings and bank holidays typical of May. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 30.0% (from 10 to 7), reflecting seasonal changes in outdoor activity or improved security measures. Violent crimes remained exactly in line with the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), while criminal damage and arson exceeded the UK rate by 17%. This mix of trends suggests a combination of local factors and national patterns, with some areas of Cornwall showing resilience and others requiring closer attention.

Cornwall's crime rate in May 2025 rose 15.5% from 6.0 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend after a period of decline. This increase, however, still leaves the area 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1. On a daily basis, 129 crimes were reported in May, translating to roughly one crime for every 146 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides context for residents: in practical terms, a resident has a 1-in-146 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime during May. When compared to the UK average, Cornwall's lower rate may reflect regional differences in policing, community engagement, or demographic factors such as its rural character and coastal geography. The population context also matters: with 583,289 residents, the absolute number of crimes (4,007) is manageable relative to the scale of the area, though the rise from April's rate suggests a need for continued monitoring of local trends.