St Ives Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

St Ives' crime profile in March 2023 reveals a landscape shaped by its coastal setting and relatively small population. The area's overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents—48.7% below the UK average—reflects the broader trend of lower crime rates in rural and coastal regions. This figure is particularly notable given the area's proximity to the coast, where open spaces and community-oriented policing may contribute to a safer environment. The top crime types in March were violence and sexual offences (9 incidents, 42.9% of total), followed by criminal damage and arson (3 incidents, 14.3%). The prominence of violence and sexual offences, despite being 38% below the UK average, suggests a unique local dynamic that may be influenced by factors such as the area's transient population or the impact of seasonal changes. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.7 per 1,000, but St Ives' rate of 1.7 per 1,000 indicates a lower prevalence of violent crime, which is consistent with the characteristics of a small coastal town where community ties may act as a deterrent. The seasonal context of March—transitioning to spring, with longer evenings and the clocks changing—may have influenced the crime pattern, as increased visibility and community activity could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the higher-than-average rate of drug-related crimes (0.4 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000) suggests a need for further analysis to understand local factors contributing to this discrepancy. The relatively low rates of anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000, 62% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (0.4 per 1,000, 17% below the UK average) align with the characteristics of a smaller, more tightly knit community where social cohesion may play a role in reducing disruptive incidents. These patterns highlight the importance of contextual factors in shaping crime rates, with St Ives' coastal location and population size likely contributing to its distinct profile compared to larger urban centres.

March 2023 saw a significant shift in the crime mix, with violence and sexual offences making up 42.9% of all reported crimes—nearly double the share of property crimes (14.3%). This stark imbalance contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences constitute 38% of total crimes. The local rate for violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), suggesting a lower incidence of violent crime despite the high proportion within the area. Conversely, drug-related crimes in St Ives (0.4 per 1,000) were 100% above the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may reflect local patterns such as targeted enforcement or unique social dynamics. The most dramatic month-on-month change was the 100% increase in drug-related crimes compared to the previous month, a spike that could be linked to seasonal factors or shifts in local enforcement priorities. Residents should note that anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 62% below the UK average, indicating a lower prevalence of disruptive incidents in this area.

St Ives' crime rate in March 2023 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 48.7% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area's unique position within the broader UK crime profile, particularly notable given its coastal location and smaller population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 256 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When compared to the daily crime context, the area experienced approximately one crime per day across 31 days, a figure that aligns with the broader trend of lower overall crime rates in rural and coastal regions. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates how the small size of St Ives contributes to a more manageable and less densely populated crime environment, where incidents are less likely to cluster in high-density areas. This lower rate is consistent with the characteristics of a coastal town, where open spaces and community cohesion may play a role in deterring criminal activity.