Penzance Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Penzance, Cornwall, reveal a crime rate of 135.4 per 1,000 residents from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a greater prevalence of criminal activity in the area. While the overall trend shows a slight stability, with a -2.6% year-on-year decrease, understanding the specific crime types and their distribution is crucial for assessing the safety and security of the community. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations in crime rates throughout the year, highlighting periods of increased activity, providing a more nuanced view of the area’s safety profile.

The crime landscape of Penzance reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.7% of all recorded crimes and totalling 835 incidents over the period of January to December 2025. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind, representing 21.8% of crimes (483 incidents), demonstrating challenges related to community order and public disturbance. Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly, with 246 incidents representing 11.1% of the total. Shoplifting (8.0%), public order offences (6.3%), and other theft (4.8%) further shape the area's crime profile. While vehicle crime, burglary, and robbery are less frequent, they still contribute to the overall picture of crime in Penzance, requiring targeted interventions and preventative measures.

Crime in Penzance has demonstrated a stability, showing a -2.6% decrease year-on-year. Examining the monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations. January saw a rate of 10.8 per 1,000, which peaked in August at 15.5 per 1,000, before declining to 8.2 per 1,000 in December. This variability suggests that certain seasonal factors or specific events may be influencing crime rates. While the overall trend is downward, these fluctuations necessitate continued monitoring and targeted interventions to maintain the area’s safety.

How To Keep Safe in Penzance

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider carrying a personal alarm. Due to the high incidence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. With criminal damage also being a concern, secure your property with robust locks and consider security lighting. Finally, be vigilant against theft by keeping valuables out of sight and securing your vehicle.

Throughout the day, crime tends to follow typical patterns. Burglaries are most frequently reported in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), while theft is more common during commercial hours. Vehicle crime is notably higher during the overnight period (12am - 6am), suggesting a vulnerability during those hours. Violence and sexual offences often peak in the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and preventative measures during these times. The data indicates that crime levels are generally lower in the morning (6am - 12pm) compared to other periods of the day.

Compared to surrounding areas, Penzance exhibits a higher crime rate. Longrock and Mousehole report zero crimes, while Madron has a rate of 43.4 per 1,000 and Newlyn registers 80.0 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the unique challenges faced by Penzance and highlights the need for targeted interventions and community engagement to improve safety and security.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. However, a proactive approach, like that offered by scOS, can fundamentally alter this dynamic. scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, preventing incidents before they escalate. Imagine a system that instantly recognizes unfamiliar vehicles or individuals approaching your home, automatically activating lights and audible warnings – a visible deterrent that often convinces potential intruders to move on. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is critical; scOS's presence creates an element of surprise and significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful break-in. While DIY security systems have their place, the professional-grade equipment and AI-powered intelligence of scOS offer a level of protection that is simply unmatched in the context of Penzance’s crime statistics.