St Austell Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

St Austell's crime rate in January 2026 was 7.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.4% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This position, though modest, highlights the area's distinct profile compared to the national picture. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.5% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category by 16%. This suggests a localised challenge that may be influenced by the town's social dynamics, including its mix of residential and commercial spaces. Criminal damage and arson followed, contributing 10.5% of total crimes and sitting 67% above the UK average—a stark contrast that could be linked to St Austell's historic buildings and tourist attractions, which may be more prone to such incidents. Anti-social behaviour, while decreasing by 18.2% from the previous month, still remains 14% below the UK average, pointing to a relatively stable environment in this category. The seasonal context of January, with its shorter days and post-holiday lull, likely contributes to the reduced outdoor crime typical of this time of year. However, the persistent elevation in violent crime and property damage suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address underlying factors, such as community tensions or the vulnerability of certain infrastructure. The data also illustrates a shift in crime mix, with property crimes (including shoplifting and burglary) comprising 31.6% of total incidents, compared to 41.5% for violent crime. This balance may reflect the area's built-up nature, where commercial spaces and public areas are more exposed to certain types of offences. Overall, the January figures illustrate a town with a crime profile that is both reflective of its character and distinct from the broader UK context.

January 2026 saw notable fluctuations in crime types, with a 300% increase in drug-related offences, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, underscores a potential shift in local patterns, possibly linked to post-holiday activity or seasonal trends. Conversely, violence and sexual offences decreased by 22.8%, from 92 to 71, marking a significant drop that may reflect reduced public gatherings or increased community engagement during the colder months. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 18.2%, though this category remains 14% below the UK average. The most striking anomaly was the 50% rise in criminal damage and arson, which moved the area 67% above the UK average for this category. This suggests a localised issue that may be tied to the area's historic buildings and tourist infrastructure, which could be more vulnerable to such incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 62.5%, though it remained 12% below the UK average, indicating that while retail crime is on the rise, it is not yet a major concern in St Austell.

St Austell's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 6.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.5 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, suggests a potential stabilisation in local crime trends following the holiday season. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 6 crimes per day over the month, reflecting a consistent level of activity that aligns with the built-up nature of the town. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime was reported for every 141 residents—a figure that contextualises the rate within the local population. While this is slightly above the UK average, the decrease from December highlights a possible seasonal dip, as shorter daylight hours and reduced retail footfall may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. The population context also reveals that St Austell's 24,127 residents experience crime at a rate that is marginally higher than the national average, though the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres.