St Ives Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 saw St Ives (Cornwall) maintain a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5.6% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a 7.6% decline from the previous month’s rate of 7.3, marking a sustained trend of reduced criminal activity in the area. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.2% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (19.4%) and criminal damage and arson (16.7%). These patterns align with seasonal dynamics typical of a coastal tourist hub during the Christmas period, when empty homes, extended shopping hours, and heightened social activity may interact to influence crime trends. While the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, specific categories—particularly violence and sexual offences—showed a notable divergence, with rates 25% above the national average for this category. The sharp rise in other theft (up 133.3% from 3 to 7 incidents) may partly reflect increased retail activity during the festive season. Conversely, anti-social behaviour incidents fell by 50% compared to the previous month, suggesting a possible reduction in public disorder during the holiday period. St Ives’ built-up area status within Cornwall, combined with its reliance on tourism and seasonal fluctuations in population, likely contributes to these patterns. The low crime rate compared to the UK average may also reflect the area’s relatively small population and the effectiveness of local policing strategies in mitigating risks associated with transient populations during peak tourist months.

December 2024 witnessed a sharp 133.3% increase in other theft incidents, rising from 3 to 7 cases. This surge, which outpaced the UK average by 141%, may be linked to heightened retail activity during the Christmas shopping period. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences increased by 13.3% compared to November, reaching 17 incidents—25% above the UK average for this category. This suggests a potential challenge in managing public safety during the festive season, despite the overall rate being lower than the national average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour incidents dropped by 50% from 6 to 3, possibly reflecting reduced public gatherings or more effective community interventions during the holiday period. The rise in criminal damage and arson (+20%) to 6 incidents highlights a continued need for vigilance in protecting property, particularly in areas with seasonal fluctuations in occupancy. These figures underscore the combination of local conditions and national trends, with St Ives’ unique character as a coastal town influencing crime patterns in ways distinct from larger urban centres.

St Ives’ December 2024 crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.3, indicating a gradual improvement in local safety metrics. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may feel manageable for residents but requires context within the town’s specific demographics. When scaled to the population of 5,369, this translates to one reported crime for every 149 residents over the course of the month—a rate significantly lower than the UK average. This monthly exposure metric provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering a crime is relatively low compared to national benchmarks. The sustained decline from November also suggests that targeted policing efforts or seasonal factors—such as reduced foot traffic during holiday closures—may be contributing to this trend. However, the stark divergence in specific crime categories, like violence and sexual offences, highlights the need for continued monitoring of localised risks. The comparison to the UK average underscores St Ives’ position as a relatively safe area, though the higher-than-average rates in certain categories remind residents and authorities that no locality is entirely immune to crime.