Monthly Crime Statistics

Launceston Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Launceston recorded 41 crimes in September 2023, with violence and sexual offences comprising 34.2% of reported incidents. Crime rates were 38.7% below the UK average.

41
Total Crimes
4.9
Per 1,000 People
8
UK Average
-4.7%
vs Previous Month

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Violence and sexual offences dominated Launceston's crime profile in September 2023, accounting for 34.2% of reported incidents. With a total crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, the area recorded 41 crimes, significantly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000 (38.7% lower). This stark contrast with national figures underscores the unique characteristics of this Cornish town, where community cohesion and geographic isolation may contribute to lower crime rates. Anti-social behaviour followed closely with 29.3% of reported incidents, a category that consistently exceeds local expectations but remains below UK averages for similar areas. Shoplifting, at 9.8% of total crimes, saw a marginal 20% decrease from the previous month, possibly reflecting seasonal changes in retail activity as the summer tourist season waned. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and the start of the academic year—likely influences crime patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres and heightened police presence during freshers' week. While violence remains the most prevalent category, its rate (1.7 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, a figure that may be attributed to the town's compact built-up area and strong local policing initiatives. The relatively low rates of property crime, particularly vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000), further support the idea of a community where crime prevention measures are effectively embedded in daily life. This data suggests that Launceston's crime profile is shaped by a combination of its rural-urban duality, seasonal rhythms, and the specific challenges of managing public order in a historically significant town with a smaller population.

September 2023 saw a stark increase in public order offences, rising by 200% from one to three incidents. This spike aligns with the transition to shorter evenings and the start of the academic term, which may contribute to increased public interactions in local spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and bicycle theft both doubled from zero to one incident each, marking unusual activity in these categories. Conversely, burglary fell by 50% compared to the previous month, potentially reflecting seasonal changes in property security as residents return to their homes. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, accounting for 14 of 41 total crimes, or 34.2% of the total. This rate is 38% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, a significant disparity that may be influenced by the area's rural-urban character and local community dynamics. Anti-social behaviour, at 12 incidents, slightly exceeded the UK average, highlighting a specific challenge for local authorities in managing public conduct.

Launceston's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a 4.7% decrease from the previous month's 5.1 per 1,000. This small but notable decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical for a Cornish town as the academic year begins and daylight hours shorten. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day in September, reflecting a low but consistent level of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 206 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local households. With a population of 8,428, this suggests that most residents are not directly affected by crime in any given month. The daily crime count, while seemingly low, highlights the importance of community vigilance during transitional periods like September, when student populations begin to shift and local routines adjust. This level of activity contrasts sharply with the UK average, though direct comparisons remain limited to aggregate figures rather than daily metrics.

Crime Breakdown - September 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences141.734.2%
Anti-social behaviour121.429.3%
Shoplifting40.59.8%
Criminal damage and arson30.47.3%
Public order30.47.3%
Vehicle crime10.12.4%
Bicycle theft10.12.4%
Burglary10.12.4%
Other crime10.12.4%
Possession of weapons10.12.4%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Launceston

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Launceston. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 23 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month