Newquay Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Newquay's crime profile in May 2025 reveals a complex picture shaped by both local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. The area's overall crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents places it 18.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a significant disparity that warrants closer examination. The most striking outlier is the prevalence of violent crimes, which accounted for 39.3% of all reported incidents—far exceeding the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This category alone contributes 3.8 per 1,000 residents in Newquay, highlighting a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.2% of total crimes and 20% above the UK rate. These figures may be partly explained by the area's coastal identity and the influx of visitors during the spring season, which can strain local resources and increase social interactions in public spaces. Other theft, at 9.9% of total crimes, also significantly outperformed the UK average by 89%, suggesting vulnerabilities in retail environments. The seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, extended daylight hours, and increased outdoor socialising—likely exacerbates these trends. While property crimes make up a smaller share (28.5%) compared to violent offences, the breakdown shows a mixed picture: shoplifting and public order offences are above UK averages, while criminal damage and arson are 17% below. This contrast may reflect the town's dual role as a tourist destination and a residential community, with different pressures on different crime types. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing violent crime and anti-social behaviour, which remain high relative to national benchmarks.

May 2025 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons surged by 200%, rising from 1 to 3 incidents, while drugs-related crimes increased by 42.9% (7 to 10). Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with a 33.3% increase to 44 incidents. These upward trends contrast with decreases in theft from the person (-75%, 4 to 1) and other crime (-71.4%, 7 to 2). The dominance of violent crimes—accounting for 39.3% of total offences—places Newquay 34% above the UK average for this category. Vehicle crime fell by 50% (12 to 6), aligning with the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. For residents, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour may be particularly concerning, given its 20% above the UK average and its association with public spaces in a coastal town. The seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor activity likely contributes to some of these trends.

Newquay's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 3.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.9 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the overall 18.5% increase above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 8 crimes per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a consistent level of activity despite the month-on-month dip. When scaled to the population of 25,247, the monthly exposure meant one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents. This figure provides context for residents: over the course of May, the likelihood of being directly affected by crime was approximately 1 in 104. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK, the slight month-on-month reduction suggests some stabilisation, though the breakdown of crime types reveals persistent areas of concern.