Praa Sands Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Praa Sands, Cornwall, reveal a concerning picture. With an annual crime rate of 29.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025, the area experiences a significantly higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This represents a considerable increase compared to other areas in Cornwall and across the nation. While the population of Praa Sands is relatively small (1,478), the impact of crime on the community is still significant. The trend indicates an upward trajectory, with crime rates increasing by 12.8% year-on-year. Understanding the nature of these crimes and the factors contributing to them is essential for developing effective preventative measures and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Praa Sands, within Cornwall, presents a unique crime profile influenced by its coastal location and relatively small population of 1,478 residents. The limited number of reported incidents can be skewed by individual events, making statistical interpretation crucial. The presence of a popular beach and associated tourism likely contributes to the reported incidents of theft and criminal damage, while the close-knit community might also play a role in the reporting of anti-social behaviour. Demographics are typical of a Cornish coastal village, with a mix of permanent residents, holiday homeowners, and seasonal workers. The area's attractiveness to visitors can, unfortunately, present opportunities for opportunistic crime, and the relative isolation of some properties may make them vulnerable. A thorough understanding of these factors is key to interpreting the area’s crime statistics.

Crime in Praa Sands is currently on an upward trend, increasing by a concerning 12.8% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations; while January 2025 saw a relatively moderate rate of 4.1 per 1,000, February and March experienced a decrease to 2.7 and 2.0 per 1,000 respectively. However, the rate spiked to 3.4 per 1,000 in April and again in October. Notably, June and December saw a very low rate of 0.7 per 1,000, which may be attributed to seasonal variations in tourism or other factors. This volatile pattern underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions to address the underlying causes of this increase.

How To Keep Safe in Praa Sands

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be vigilant in public spaces, especially at night. Consider travelling in groups and avoiding poorly lit areas. Due to the incidence of criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-maintained and any potential fire hazards are addressed. With theft from the person being a concern, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. To protect against vehicle crime, park in well-lit areas and consider installing an alarm system or steering wheel lock. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities promptly.

Crimes in Praa Sands demonstrate distinct patterns throughout the day. Theft and vehicle crime are most frequently reported during commercial hours in the afternoon, likely linked to visitor activity. Evening hours, particularly during weekends, see a rise in incidents, including theft and vehicle crime. A small percentage of vehicle crime occurs overnight. While burglary is relatively infrequent across all periods, violence and sexual offences are more prevalent during the evening and night hours, requiring heightened vigilance during these times.

Compared to neighbouring areas such as Ashton, Rosudgeon, Perran Downs, and Godolphin Cross, Praa Sands unfortunately exhibits a notably higher crime rate. These surrounding areas currently report zero crimes per 1,000 residents, highlighting the disparity in safety levels. This difference could be attributable to factors such as tourism, population density, and local economic conditions, but underscores the need for focused safety initiatives in Praa Sands.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. The reality is, most burglars make their decision within a 60-second window. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. Systems like scOS offer a proactive approach. scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary – recognising unfamiliar vehicles approaching, or individuals loitering suspiciously – before a break-in can even occur. Its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification capabilities provide a level of security far beyond standard systems. By creating a visible deterrent and responding autonomously with lights and audible warnings, scOS can often make that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders – they simply move on.