Penwithick Crime Rate

Penwithick is a secure and stable urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 102.6 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a solid safety score of 74/100. However, the crime trend has seen a significant increase of 43.6% over the last year, suggesting that residents should remain vigilant. Property crime is recorded at 21.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 32.9. These figures reflect a community where serious property-related activity is relatively rare, though the recent upward trend in general crime warrants attention. For the 3,819 residents of Penwithick, the area remains a safe living environment within the Cornwall local authority.

Penwithick maintains a moderate crime profile, with the top three categories being violence and sexual offences (47.5%), anti-social behaviour (20.7%), and criminal damage and arson (13.5%). While violence and sexual offences are the most recorded, property-related crime is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 21.7 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average. This total includes 53 cases of criminal damage and arson, 17 'other' thefts, 8 burglaries, and 5 vehicle crimes. The combined rate of burglary and vehicle crime suggests a need for residents to be mindful of home and vehicle security, contributing to the area's overall safety score.

The crime trend in Penwithick has seen a significant increase of 43.6% over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in August (12.8 crimes per 1,000) and July (12.1). Activity remained relatively high through the summer and into October (8.1). This upward trajectory is a concern for the community, although the overall property crime rate still remains below the UK average. Residents should be mindful of this change and consider enhancing their personal and property security to adapt to the shifting local safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Penwithick

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Penwithick, accounting for nearly half of all reported incidents. Maintaining personal safety and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to preserve the town's secure environment.

• Be Aware in Public: Even in safe areas, it is wise to stay observant of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening hours.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence, ensure your property is well-lit and that gates or fences are kept in good repair.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Active community participation is key to Penwithick's safety. Report any anti-social behaviour or unusual activity to local authorities promptly.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Although vehicle crime is relatively rare, always ensure that valuables are removed and windows are closed, especially if parking on the street overnight.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Consider basic smart home features like timer lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away, further deterring the risk of opportunistic theft.

Crime in Penwithick follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 33% and 37% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to retail activity and the presence of visitors in the town centre. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including public order and anti-social behaviour—increasing to 75% of all recorded incidents. This trend continues into the night (12am - 6am), where 'other' crimes remain high at 66%. Notably, burglary reaches its highest proportional peak during the night, accounting for 15% of incidents, while vehicle crime peaks at 12%, suggesting property is most at risk during the quietest hours.

In comparison to nearby areas, Penwithick's crime rate of 102.6 per 1,000 people is higher than its immediate neighbours. Bugle (86.9) and Luxulyan (22.8) recorded lower rates, and the smaller areas of Stenalees and Tregrehan Mills reported 0.0 crimes. However, Penwithick serves as a primary urban hub for these smaller villages, offering more commercial activity and amenities which naturally attracts a higher volume of reported incidents. Despite this, Penwithick's safety profile remains solid and comparable to many other UK towns of similar size, making it a secure choice for residents in the region.

With a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people, residents of Penwithick should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred. For Penwithick residents who want a higher standard of safety, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from ever taking place. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven in this community.