Newquay Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Newquay's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent and disorderly incidents, diverging from the UK average in several key areas. With a crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents—14.7% above the UK's 6.8 per 1,000—the area's overall rate underscores its unique challenges. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 52.3% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 64% higher than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This overrepresentation aligns with Newquay's identity as a coastal resort, where transient populations and nightlife activity may contribute to higher rates of such crimes. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 12.2% of cases, and public order offences (7.6%) also exceeded UK averages by 43%. In contrast, property crimes remained relatively low, with shoplifting at 2.0% of the total—65% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This imbalance suggests a crime profile shaped by the area's seasonal rhythms and tourism-driven dynamics. The post-holiday period in January, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall, likely influenced the lower incidence of property crimes, though the sharp rise in public order offences points to other factors, such as the impact of winter weather on community interactions or the presence of transient populations in the area. These patterns highlight the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention in Newquay, balancing efforts to address violent incidents with strategies to manage disorderly conduct during periods of high visitor turnover.

January 2026 saw a sharp rise in public order offences, which surged by 150% compared to December, reaching 15 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 60% increase in anti-social behaviour (24 cases), suggests heightened tensions during the post-holiday period, possibly linked to the town's tourism infrastructure and seasonal transitions. Meanwhile, burglary and vehicle crime both fell dramatically—by 85.7% and 83.3% respectively—likely reflecting reduced retail activity and fewer visitors during the winter months. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant crime category, accounting for 52.3% of all incidents and 64% above the UK average. This imbalance contrasts sharply with the UK's overall crime mix, where such offences typically constitute a smaller share. For residents, the 200% increase in 'other crime' (from 2 to 6 cases) underscores the need for vigilance in areas where unclassified incidents are rising, though the exact nature of these crimes remains unclear.

Newquay's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, a 4.9% decrease from the previous month's 8.2 per 1,000. This monthly decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns in coastal towns, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours curtail opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately six crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that reflects the density of reported incidents in a built-up area. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure equates to one reported crime for every 128 residents. This ratio provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it does not account for unreported crimes or variations in policing coverage. The population context further highlights the significance of these figures: with 25,247 residents, even a small absolute number of crimes can translate into noticeable local impacts, particularly in areas with high concentrations of tourism or transient populations.