Cornwall Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Cornwall's crime rate stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents — 21.2% below the UK average of 6.6. This figure, though stable compared to December's 5.3 rate, masks a striking divergence in crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly half of all reported crimes, a share significantly higher than the UK average. This pattern may be partly explained by Cornwall's geography and demographics: as a coastal district with a mix of rural and urban areas, it experiences a unique blend of factors influencing violent crime. The post-holiday period in January likely contributes to this, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall potentially driving certain crimes while curbing others. For instance, anti-social behaviour — a category typically associated with urban centres — fell 45% below the UK average, consistent with Cornwall's lower population density and potentially stronger community cohesion. Meanwhile, property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime were markedly lower than national averages, possibly due to the area's dispersed nature and limited high-density commercial zones. The seasonal context also plays a role: January's reduced outdoor activity may have dampened opportunities for public order offences and theft from the person, though these categories still showed significant gaps compared to the UK. This complex mix of factors illustrates how local conditions interact with broader national trends, shaping a crime profile distinct from other parts of the UK.

Violence and sexual offences dominated January's crime landscape, accounting for 49.4% of total incidents — a figure 7% above the UK average. This stark contrast to other categories, such as anti-social behaviour (45% below UK average) and vehicle crime (73% below UK average), highlights a unique balance in Cornwall's criminal activity. Among month-on-month shifts, Other crime saw the most significant increase, rising 26.9% from 67 to 85 incidents, while bicycle theft plummeted by 80% from 5 to 1. This drop in bicycle theft may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during shorter winter days. Conversely, the 14.1% rise in public order offences suggests heightened incidents in areas with nightlife or public gatherings, though the exact causes remain unclear. Notably, robbery and theft from the person both fell by 60%, aligning with the post-holiday period's typically reduced retail footfall and fewer opportunities for such crimes.

Cornwall's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 1.3% decrease from December's 5.3 rate. This consistency suggests no significant month-on-month shift in overall criminal activity, though local rhythms may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 98 crimes per day — a figure that translates to 1 reported crime for every 192 residents. While this daily rate is slightly lower than December's 100 crimes per day, the scale remains comparable for a population of nearly 583,000. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the rate illustrates a relatively low burden of crime compared to the UK average, yet the distribution across crime types reveals nuanced local dynamics. For instance, while violent crime remains elevated relative to the UK average, property crimes and public order offences fall significantly below national benchmarks, reflecting a mix of community-specific factors and seasonal influences.