St Ives Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, St Ives (Cornwall) maintained a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 30% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure translates to one reported crime for every 179 residents over the course of the month. The area's crime profile is shaped by its coastal character and seasonal rhythms, with September marking the transition from summer tourism to the quieter autumn months. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 43.3% of all recorded crimes, followed by violence and sexual offences (33.3%) and criminal damage and arson (16.7%). These patterns are consistent with the area's mix of residential communities, tourist attractions, and seasonal shifts in population. The relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average may reflect the town's smaller population, lower density of commercial activity, and the influence of its natural environment, which limits opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the dominance of anti-social behaviour suggests ongoing challenges in managing community tensions, particularly as the area transitions from the summer season to the quieter months. The seasonal context of September—back-to-school periods, university freshers, and the onset of shorter evenings—likely contributes to the types of incidents recorded, with anti-social behaviour and public order issues potentially linked to increased social activity in the evenings.

September 2023 saw significant month-on-month increases in violence and sexual offences (+150%), criminal damage and arson (+150%), and anti-social behaviour (+44.4%). These spikes contrast with a notable decline in other theft (-66.7%), which fell from three incidents to one. The rise in violence and sexual offences, despite remaining 31% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), highlights a shift in the crime mix toward more serious incidents. Anti-social behaviour, though 79% above the UK average (1.3 per 1,000), remains the most prevalent category, likely tied to the town's seasonal social dynamics. The sharp increase in criminal damage and arson—5 incidents in September compared to 2 in August—suggests a possible link to the transition period between summer and autumn, with potential factors including increased alcohol-related incidents or targeted vandalism. Residents may find the 150% rise in violence and sexual offences particularly concerning, as it represents a substantial shift from the previous month. Meanwhile, the UK-wide comparison for other theft (-67% below the average of 0.6 per 1,000) underscores the area's relative success in curbing property-related crimes, possibly due to the absence of high-density retail zones that typically drive such incidents.

St Ives' crime rate in September 2023 (5.6 per 1,000) marks a 25.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.5 per 1,000. This rise, while modest, reflects the volatility of crime patterns in smaller communities where a single incident can significantly alter statistics. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day in September, a figure that, when scaled to the population of 5,369 residents, translates to one reported crime for every 179 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, indicating that the likelihood of encountering a crime is relatively low compared to larger urban centres. However, the month-on-month increase suggests that local factors—such as the return of students to educational institutions or the resumption of evening activities—may have temporarily elevated crime levels. The contrast with the UK average (8.0 per 1,000) remains stark, with St Ives continuing to benefit from its rural-adjacent character and the absence of high-crime hotspots typically found in densely populated areas. While the daily crime count appears modest, the concentration of certain incidents—particularly anti-social behaviour and violence—raises questions about localized pressures that may require targeted community engagement or policing strategies.