The relationship between tourism and crime levels in Mullion, Cornwall, is a complex one and requires careful consideration of available data. The key question is: does the influx of visitors impact the safety of this Cornish BUA?
Currently, Mullion’s crime rate stands at 69.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. Furthermore, Mullion has a safety score of 84 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests that, overall, Mullion is a relatively safe place to live and visit.
However, the impact of tourism isn't always straightforward. While tourism brings economic benefits, it can also lead to increased opportunities for certain types of crime. These may include petty theft (such as bag snatching or pickpocketing), opportunistic burglaries targeting holiday homes, and potential disturbances due to increased crowds. It's important to note that this data doesn't explicitly link tourism to specific crime types; it simply highlights a potential correlation.
The increased population density during tourist seasons – though temporary – can stretch local resources and potentially create situations where crime is more likely to occur. However, the strong safety score of 84 suggests that Mullion's community and authorities are generally effective at maintaining order and preventing crime, regardless of visitor numbers. The lower crime rate compared to the UK average further reinforces this positive assessment. It's crucial to remember that correlation doesn't equal causation – other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and policing strategies, also play significant roles in shaping crime rates.