Wadebridge Crime Rate

Wadebridge is a well-regarded market town with a crime profile that is generally more favourable than the national average. The overall crime rate stands at 90.3 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 93.1. This contributes to a safety score of 78/100, aligning exactly with the UK average. However, it is important to note that the area has experienced a significant increasing trend, with reported crimes rising by 33.4% over the last year. While the town remains a safe and attractive place to live and work, this recent uptick in activity warrants a closer look at the specific types of crime occurring and the times they are most prevalent.

Wadebridge's crime statistics are primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 42.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.1% and criminal damage and arson at 13.2%. These three categories represent the vast majority of local police activity, reflecting challenges common to many market towns.

In terms of property crime—a category encompassing burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle-related offences—Wadebridge records a rate of 27.1 per 1,000 residents. This is comfortably below the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting is a notable component of this, making up 7.7% of total crimes. Residential burglary is relatively rare, accounting for only 1.5% of incidents. For homeowners, this data suggests that while the town is generally safe, the concentration of violence and anti-social behaviour in public spaces is the primary concern, while property remains statistically more secure than in many other parts of the country.

The crime trend in Wadebridge is currently increasing, with a 33.4% rise in reported incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly trendData shows a somewhat volatile pattern. The year began with a high in November (10.0), followed by a notable dip in February (4.5). However, crime rates spiked again in March (9.4) and remained relatively elevated through the spring and early summer. There was a gradual decline towards the end of the period, with September (5.8) being one of the lower months. This fluctuating trend suggests that while crime is generally rising, it may be linked to specific events or seasonal changes rather than a steady, month-on-month increase. Residents should remain vigilant regardless of these fluctuations, as the overall trajectory remains upward.

How To Keep Safe in Wadebridge

The most common crime in Wadebridge is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in public spaces or social settings. While the town is generally safe, being proactive about your personal security can significantly reduce your risk.

• When walking through the town at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or riverside paths.
• If you are out socialising, stay with your group and look out for one another. Plan your route home in advance.
• Be aware of your surroundings in busy areas like the town centre, especially during peak shopping times or local events.
• Consider using a personal safety app that allows you to share your live location with trusted friends or family members when walking alone.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local police to help them identify and address problem areas.
• Ensure your home is well-lit at the front and back, as good visibility is a strong deterrent for many types of opportunistic crime.

Wadebridge shows clear temporal shifts in the types of crime reported throughout the day. In the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 40-44% of crimes as the town's retail sector is most active. As the day progresses into the evening, the focus shifts heavily towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 72% of reported incidents between 6pm and midnight. The night-time period (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which reaches its highest proportional level at 15%. Burglary also peaks during these late hours, accounting for 10% of night-time reports, suggesting that property-focused offenders take advantage of the quietest periods when most residents are indoors.

Wadebridge serves as a key commercial hub for the surrounding area, which influences its crime rate of 90.3. This is notably higher than nearby Egloshayle, which sees 45.7 crimes per 1,000 people, and Padstow, which records 59.9. Other nearby settlements like St Mabyn and Rock are exceptionally quiet, with 0.0 crimes reported in the same period. The higher rate in Wadebridge is typical for a town that attracts a significant transient population for shopping, services, and tourism, whereas the surrounding villages benefit from their more secluded, residential nature. Locally, Wadebridge remains the area where residents should be most mindful of security.

Wadebridge's property crime rate of 27.1 is lower than the national average, but the 33.4% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should not be complacent. When it comes to home security, the limitation of traditional systems is that they are reactive. A standard alarm sounds after a window is broken, and a DIY camera merely records a person walking away with your belongings.

To achieve true peace of mind, a proactive approach is necessary. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It can identify potential threats, such as a stranger lingering by your vehicle or an unknown person approaching your back door, and intervene autonomously. With features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, scOS eliminates false alarms while ensuring that real threats are met with immediate deterrents like light and sound. In a growing town like Wadebridge, stopping a threat at the property line is the most effective way to ensure your home remains safe.