Crime Statistics

Penzance Crime Rate

+7.3%year-over-year

Crime is increasing and HIGH in Penzance

Penzance's crime rate is 136.7 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average. Its safety score is 69/100, with an increasing trend.

Overall Crime Rate

136.7
Crimes per 1,000 people
increasing trend

Property Crime Rate

39.9
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Penzance Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:136.7vs 93.4 UK avg
+43.3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:39.9vs 33.2 UK avg
+6.7 per 1,000 people

Penzance's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 16,361 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Penzance

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Penzance
Overall Crime Rate136.7 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate39.9 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score69 out of 100
Population16,361
Trendincreasing
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Penzance
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences82950.737%
Anti-social behaviour50230.722%
Criminal damage and arson23414.310%
Shoplifting19912.29%
Public order1398.56%
Other theft1046.45%
Drugs472.92%
Vehicle crime412.52%
Burglary402.42%
Other crime362.22%
Possession of weapons311.91%
Bicycle theft140.91%
Theft from the person110.70%
Robbery100.60%

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Penzance

Penzance records an overall crime rate of 136.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly higher than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This is reflected in a safety score of 69 out of 100, which is considerably below the UK average of 78, indicating that Penzance faces more crime challenges compared to the national picture. Recent trends show an increasing crime rate, with a 7.3% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for the more detailed crime data and patterns within this built-up area.

Penzance Safety Score

69
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Penzance's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Penzance

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:37%
Per 1,000:50.7
Total:829
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:22%
Per 1,000:30.7
Total:502
#3

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:10%
Per 1,000:14.3
Total:234
#4

Shoplifting

Percentage:9%
Per 1,000:12.2
Total:199
#5

Public order

Percentage:6%
Per 1,000:8.5
Total:139

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

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Crime Type Analysis in Penzance

In Penzance, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.1% of all reported incidents with 829 crimes (50.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 22.4% of crimes (502 incidents, 30.7 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson ranks third, representing 10.5% of the total with 234 reported cases (14.3 per 1,000).

Property-related crime in Penzance, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, and other theft, stands at 39.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting an elevated risk for homeowners and residents regarding property security. For those living in or owning property in Penzance, understanding these specific crime patterns can help inform personal security measures and awareness.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
829 incidents (50.7 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
502 incidents (30.7 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
234 incidents (14.3 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
199 incidents (12.2 per 1,000)
Public order
139 incidents (8.5 per 1,000)
Other theft
104 incidents (6.4 per 1,000)
Drugs
47 incidents (2.9 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
41 incidents (2.5 per 1,000)
Burglary
40 incidents (2.4 per 1,000)
Other crime
36 incidents (2.2 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
31 incidents (1.9 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
14 incidents (0.9 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
11 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)
Robbery
10 incidents (0.6 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

0.8% change(over 12 months)
Penzance
UK Average

Compare Penzance with similar populations

Penzance has a 46.4% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Penzance

Penzance has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 7.3% rise in overall crime year-over-year. Analysing the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw a dip in February and March 2025, reaching 8.7 and 8.6 respectively, before rising significantly. A notable peak occurred in August 2025 with 15.5 crimes per 1,000, indicating a surge in crime during the summer months. This upward trajectory suggests a need for increased monitoring and community safety initiatives for residents.

When Do Crimes Happen in Penzance?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Penzance's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Tuesday
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Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Penzance?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Other48%
Theft39%
Vehicle Crime7%
Burglary6%
Violence0%

Morning hours see elevated 'Other' crime and theft, likely linked to daytime presence.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Other44%
Theft43%
Burglary11%
Vehicle Crime3%
Violence0%

Afternoons in Penzance show high 'Other' crime and theft activity, coinciding with busy periods.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other69%
Theft16%
Burglary8%
Vehicle Crime7%
Violence0%

Evenings experience a significant rise in 'Other' crimes as social activities increase.

Night

12am - 6am

Other57%
Vehicle Crime21%
Burglary12%
Theft9%
Violence0%

Night-time sees increased vehicle crime and burglaries, common when properties are unattended.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Penzance's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Penzance, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Penzance

Crime patterns in Penzance exhibit distinct shifts throughout the 24-hour cycle. In the morning (6am-12pm), 'Other' crimes are prominent, constituting 48% of offences, alongside theft at 39%. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where 'Other' crimes remain high at 44% and theft at 43%, coinciding with busy daytime hours.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the crime landscape changes, with 'Other' crimes rising significantly to 69% and vehicle crime increasing to 7%. This period often sees more social activity and nightlife. During the night (12am-6am), 'Other' crimes remain high at 57%, alongside vehicle crime at 21% and burglaries at 12%, indicating a shift towards offences targeting unattended properties during quieter hours.

Police Response Times in Penzance

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

17 minActual
Actual
17 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
2 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

39 minActual
Actual
39 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
21 min faster than target

Active Officers

3,618

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Penzance to its nearby areas, its crime rate is generally higher than smaller, more residential settlements. Longrock, Madron, Newlyn, and Mousehole are typically more village-like or suburban, and as such, often exhibit lower crime rates. This regional context highlights Penzance's position as a significant town and port, which can influence its crime profile compared to its quieter neighbours. Understanding these local differences provides valuable context for residents and those considering moving to the area.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

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Property line intervention

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Stop them early

Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • Records crime as it happens
  • Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • Stops threats before they reach your door
  • Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • They turn away before you even know

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Enhancing Property Protection in Penzance

Given Penzance's property crime rate of 39.9 per 1,000 people, which is notably above the national average, it's crucial for residents to consider robust security measures. While traditional CCTV systems offer footage after an incident, proactive protection is key to preventing crime before it occurs. If you are seeking to truly safeguard your home, consider solutions that offer real-time intervention.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime at your property boundary, rather than merely recording it after a break-in. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, these systems watch all cameras simultaneously and learn your routines to only alert on genuine threats. This proactive approach ensures that potential intruders are detected and deterred before they can gain entry. Visible professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, often making burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds, unlike DIY systems that only notify you after the fact.

Ready to stop reading statistics and start protecting what matters?

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Penzance

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Penzance. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.