Newquay Crime Rate

Newquay demonstrates a crime rate of 107.6 incidents per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025. While this is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it is important to consider the area's unique characteristics as a popular tourist destination. Over the observed period, crime rates have shown a stable trend, decreasing by 4.6% year-on-year. This indicates a generally consistent level of criminal activity, although fluctuations are observed throughout the year, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Further analysis reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, followed by anti-social behaviour and other forms of theft.

Newquay, a vibrant coastal town in Cornwall, experiences crime patterns influenced by its tourism and seasonal population fluctuations. The highest recorded crime types, violence and sexual offences (42.1% of recorded incidents), suggest potential issues related to nightlife and social interaction. Anti-social behaviour accounts for 14.8% of incidents, reflecting the challenges of managing large numbers of visitors and potential associated issues. Other theft, at 9.2%, includes a range of offences, from shoplifting to opportunistic petty crime. Overall property crime stands at 32.4 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the UK average, indicating a need for vigilance regarding personal belongings and property security. The presence of a transient population and the concentration of activity in specific areas likely contribute to these crime statistics.

Crime rates in Newquay have demonstrated a stable trend, decreasing by 4.6% year-on-year between January 2025 and December 2025. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year, with higher rates observed during the summer months (July and August) coinciding with peak tourist activity. For instance, July 2025 recorded a crime rate of 12.6 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the January 2025 rate of 7.4 per 1,000. A noticeable decline was seen in October 2025 (6.5 per 1,000), followed by a slight increase towards the end of the year. This pattern underscores the influence of seasonal tourism on local crime statistics.

How To Keep Safe in Newquay

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider using well-lit, populated routes. Due to the risk of anti-social behaviour, safeguard your personal belongings and be cautious when in crowded spaces. With vehicle crime being a concern, park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock. Finally, be mindful of your personal safety when consuming alcohol, and always arrange a safe journey home.

The pattern of crime in Newquay shifts throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most common in the morning and afternoon, while vehicle crime shows a peak during the night. Theft is prevalent during commercial hours, suggesting opportunities arising from busy areas. Violence and sexual offences tend to occur more frequently in the evening, particularly during weekends, likely linked to increased social activity and nightlife. This distribution highlights the importance of being vigilant during these specific periods.

When considering safety, Newquay’s crime rate contrasts with that of neighbouring areas. Quintrell Downs demonstrates a significantly lower rate of 53.7 per 1,000, while Crantock and Carloggas report no recorded crimes. St Newlyn East, with a rate of 26.2 per 1,000, falls closer to Newquay’s levels. These comparisons highlight the varied safety landscapes within Cornwall and emphasise the importance of understanding local factors influencing crime rates.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred. scOS takes a different approach. Reading crime statistics for Newquay, particularly the prevalence of violence and vehicle crime, underscores the need for proactive protection. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Imagine scOS, identifying an unfamiliar vehicle approaching your property, instantly activating lights and speakers, creating a deterrent that many burglars won’t risk. The visible presence of professional-grade security, like scOS, signals a serious level of protection - the 60-second decision point for many opportunistic criminals becomes a simple one: move on. While DIY security systems have their place, they often simply record events; scOS actively prevents them.