Pool and Illogan Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 9,686 residents, the 64 crimes recorded in August 2023 translate to approximately 0.66% of the population being directly affected by criminal activity. This rate of 6.6 crimes per 1,000 residents places Pool and Illogan 18.5% below the UK average of 8.1, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.8% of all reported incidents (21 cases), followed by violence and sexual offences (12 cases) and criminal damage and arson (9 cases). These patterns align with the area's character as a small built-up community within Cornwall's rural landscape, where informal social controls and limited urban density may contribute to lower violent crime rates. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month with increased tourism—introduces unique dynamics, as empty homes and transient populations may heighten risks for burglary. However, the data shows no significant spike in property crimes during this period, suggesting local factors such as community cohesion or effective policing may mitigate seasonal risks. The breakdown also highlights a notable divergence from UK averages in specific categories: anti-social behaviour rates are 53% above the national figure, while violence and sexual offences are 55% below. These discrepancies may reflect the area's demographic profile, with older populations and fewer young people reducing violent crime while social interactions in public spaces could drive anti-social incidents.

August 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting increasing by 250% (from 2 to 7 cases) and other theft rising by 200% (from 2 to 6 cases). This surge in property-related offences, particularly shoplifting, may be linked to the summer tourist season and increased foot traffic in local retail areas. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 36.8% compared to the previous month, dropping from 19 to 12 cases—a shift that could reflect seasonal changes in social activity patterns or improved community engagement initiatives. The area's anti-social behaviour rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents (53% above the UK average of 1.4) stands out as a persistent challenge, tied to the community's smaller scale and higher proportion of informal social interactions. Vehicle crime remained 18% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area's lower urban density and limited commuter traffic. For residents, the 250% rise in shoplifting cases offers a concrete insight: local businesses may need to enhance security measures during peak tourist months. The 55% deficit in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average also highlights a comparative safety advantage, though this should be viewed alongside the 53% surplus in anti-social behaviour—a combination of local dynamics that requires nuanced understanding.

The crime rate in August 2023 (6.6 per 1,000) marked a 33.3% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.0, reflecting a notable upward trend in reported incidents. Over the course of the month, this translated to roughly 2 crimes per day in Pool and Illogan—a figure that, while seemingly modest, underscores the daily reality for residents. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 151 residents provides a tangible measure of risk: a resident could expect to encounter a crime approximately once every 151 days. This metric contrasts with the UK's broader context, though direct national comparisons are not available for daily or monthly exposure. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the upward trajectory from July to August suggests a need for vigilance. The 33.3% increase may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as the influx of holidaymakers in August, which could temporarily elevate certain crime types like anti-social behaviour. However, the relatively low baseline rate (6.6 per 1,000) means even this increase represents a smaller absolute number of crimes compared to larger urban centres. For local residents, the daily crime count of 2 serves as a practical reference point, illustrating that while crime is not a daily occurrence, it remains a factor to consider in community planning and personal safety awareness.