St Ives (Cornwall) Crime Rate

St Ives (Cornwall) presents a complex crime profile, with an overall crime rate of 107.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits above the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 75/100. While the safety score remains relatively high, indicating a generally secure environment, the area has seen a notable increasing trend in reported incidents, with a 35.0% rise year-over-year. This growth in statistics suggests a shift in the local security landscape that residents and visitors should be aware of. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of the specific crime types and temporal patterns that define the current situation in this iconic Cornish settlement.

In St Ives (Cornwall), the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.9% and criminal damage and arson at 12.3%. Together, these three categories constitute the majority of local police activity.

When examining property crime specifically—which includes burglary, robbery, various forms of theft, and vehicle crime—St Ives (Cornwall) maintains a rate of 28.7 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Burglary remains relatively uncommon here, making up only 1.6% of total crimes. For residents, this suggests that while personal safety in social settings is a primary concern, the risk of property-related offences is lower than in many other urban settlements, though proactive security remains a wise investment.

The crime trend in St Ives (Cornwall) is currently on an upward trajectory, with a significant 35.0% increase in reported incidents year-over-year. Monthly data reveals a clear seasonal pattern typical of a major tourist destination. Crime rates remained relatively stable and low during the winter months, such as December (6.7) and February (7.1), but began to climb sharply in the spring. A peak was reached in August with a rate of 14.0 per 1,000 people, followed by high activity in July (10.8) and September (10.6). This suggests that the influx of visitors during the summer months is a primary driver of crime statistics in the area. For residents, this means that while the town is quieter in winter, vigilance is particularly important during the busy holiday seasons.

How To Keep Safe in St Ives (Cornwall)

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in St Ives (Cornwall), often linked to the town's busy nightlife and seasonal crowds. To enhance your personal safety, you should remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or near late-night venues.

• Plan your journey home in advance when enjoying the town's nightlife, and try to stay with friends rather than walking alone in quieter areas.
• Stick to well-lit main thoroughfares when moving through the town at night, avoiding shortcuts through secluded alleys or coastal paths.
• Be mindful of your alcohol consumption; staying alert makes it easier to spot potential conflicts before they escalate.
• Report any suspicious or aggressive behaviour to local authorities immediately to help maintain the town's safety for everyone.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, and consider using a personal safety app that can share your location with trusted contacts.

Crime in St Ives (Cornwall) follows distinct temporal patterns influenced by its commercial and social activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for approximately 50% of crimes in these periods as retail areas and tourist attractions are busiest. As evening falls, the character of reported incidents shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which peak at 69% of the total between 6pm and midnight. Night-time (12am to 6am) sees a diversification of risk, with burglary and vehicle crime both reaching their highest proportional levels at 11% each, as the cover of darkness facilitates property-related offences.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, St Ives (Cornwall) acts as the primary activity hub, which is reflected in its crime rate of 107.7. In contrast, Carbis Bay maintains a much lower rate of 44.5 crimes per 1,000 people. Strikingly, the smaller settlements of Lelant, The Towans, and Canon's Town all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents during the same period. This stark difference highlights that crime in this region of Cornwall is heavily concentrated within the main urban and tourist centre of St Ives (Cornwall) itself, while the outlying residential and rural areas remain exceptionally quiet.

With an overall crime rate that is currently increasing, protecting your property in St Ives (Cornwall) requires a shift from reactive to proactive measures. While property crime here is lower than the UK average, the 35.0% year-over-year increase in general crime suggests a changing environment. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the emotional and financial toll of a break-in.

By implementing scOS, you move beyond simple recording to active prevention. This AI-powered operating system monitors your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence that never blinks. It can distinguish between a neighbour's cat and a genuine threat, triggering autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers to deter intruders before they even reach your door. In a coastal town like St Ives (Cornwall), where seasonal changes can bring transient populations, having a system that verifies vehicles and recognises familiar routines ensures your home remains a fortress, effectively stopping crime before it starts.