St Ives (Cornwall) Crime Rate

St Ives (Cornwall) has a crime rate of 106.5 per 1,000 residents, 17.1% above the UK average. While property crime remains 16.5% below the national benchmark, the area faces significant challenges with criminal damage and arson, which occur at 81% above the UK rate. This stark contrast highlights the need to understand local patterns, particularly the 267% year-on-year increase in burglary, which has made this area a focus for targeted safety measures.

St Ives (Cornwall) is a historic seaside resort in Cornwall, known for its picturesque harbor and tourist attractions. As a built-up area with a population of 5,369, it blends residential neighborhoods with commercial zones. The presence of tourism infrastructure and a transient population may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behavior, while its coastal location could influence patterns of vehicle crime and vandalism. However, the area's property crime rate remains below the UK average, suggesting a combination of local dynamics.

The most surprising finding is that criminal damage and arson occurs at 81% above the UK average (11.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000), a rate roughly 1.8 times the national figure. This may reflect the area's exposure to coastal weather extremes, which can damage properties, or challenges in maintaining public spaces in a tourist-focused environment. Anti-social behaviour is also elevated at 60% above the UK average (23.5 vs 14.7 per 1,000), likely linked to the transient nature of the population during peak tourism seasons. Violence and sexual offences. above the UK average (46.4 vs 32.1 per 1,000), may be influenced by the area's nightlife and social hubs. These patterns contrast with lower rates of theft from the person (78% below UK average) and shoplifting (50% below), suggesting that while certain crimes are amplified by the area's character, others are mitigated by its smaller scale and community-focused policing.

Crime in St Ives (Cornwall) has increased by 18.9% year-on-year, with burglary surging by 267% (from 0.6 to 2.0 per 1,000). This sharp rise may reflect targeted attacks or changes in local security practices. The monthly trend shows a peak in August 2025 (14.0 per 1,000/month), likely linked to summer tourism and extended nightlife. Crime dipped in December 2025 (5.6 per 1,000/month), possibly due to reduced visitor numbers and lower evening activity. Despite these fluctuations, the overall upward trend underscores the need for sustained community engagement and targeted policing efforts.

How To Keep Safe in St Ives (Cornwall)

Residents should secure outdoor spaces against criminal damage and arson, which are 81% above the UK average. Install motion-activated lights around property perimeters to deter vandals. For anti-social behaviour, which is 60% above the UK average, avoid areas with high foot traffic during late evenings. Secure vehicles in locked garages, as vehicle crime peaks at night (12am–6am). Report any suspicious activity promptly, and consider community initiatives to address local crime patterns.

Crime in St Ives (Cornwall) follows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with retail hours and tourist activity. Burglary is most common at night (12am–6am), likely due to opportunistic intrusions in less monitored areas. Other crimes, such as public order incidents, dominate in the evening (6pm–12am), possibly linked to nightlife and social gatherings. The lower crime rates during mornings (6am–12pm) may reflect the area's quieter residential character and reduced foot traffic during these hours.

Compared to Carbis Bay, St Ives (Cornwall) has a crime rate 136% higher (106.5 vs 45.2 per 1,000). This disparity likely reflects Carbis Bay's smaller population and less tourism-driven activity, which may contribute to its lower crime rates. St Ives, as a more developed seaside resort, experiences higher levels of anti-social behaviour and property damage, underscoring the impact of tourism and urban density on local crime profiles.

For St Ives (Cornwall) households concerned about criminal damage and arson, which occur at 81% above the UK average (11.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000), proactive security measures are critical, scOS offers AI-powered boundary detection that identifies threats before they escalate, distinguishing between benign movements and potential damage. Automated lighting and speaker systems activate instantly when suspicious activity is detected, deterring intruders without requiring resident intervention. Ethernet-connected cameras ensure evidence integrity, and two weeks of cloud recording provides clear documentation for incidents. These features address the unique challenge of St Ives (Cornwall)'s elevated vandalism rates, offering a tailored response to local crime trends.