Isle of Wight Crime Rate

The Isle of Wight presents a safety profile that is generally more favourable than the national average. With an overall crime rate of 82.8 per 1,000 people, it sits below the UK average of 91.6. The island's safety score of 79/100 perfectly matches the UK average, indicating a balanced security environment. Recent trends show that crime is stable, with a 2.3% decrease over the past year. While the island faces challenges common to high-tourism areas, particularly regarding public order and violence, its property crime rates remain notably low. This analysis explores the island's crime breakdown, seasonal trends, and provides essential safety advice for residents and visitors to this unique part of the UK.

The Isle of Wight's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography as an island with a significant seasonal influx of visitors. As a major tourism destination, the population swells during the summer months, which can lead to seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The island features a mix of busy seaside resorts, historic towns, and quiet rural areas. Major transport hubs like the ferry terminals in Cowes, Ryde, and Fishbourne create transient populations that can impact local crime figures. Economic factors, including the reliance on seasonal employment and the contrast between affluent areas and pockets of deprivation, also play a role. Despite these factors, the island maintains a distinct community feel, which often contributes to a safety score that aligns with the UK average.

Violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of crime on the Isle of Wight, accounting for 45.5% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour (11.0%) and public order offences (9.9%) are the next most significant categories. Property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. For residents, this means that while personal safety and public conduct are the primary focus of local statistics, the risk to physical property is relatively low. Burglary, in particular, only accounts for 2.4% of total crime, suggesting that the island remains a secure place for homeowners compared to many mainland urban areas.

Crime trends on the Isle of Wight are currently stable, with a modest 2.3% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern: crime rates began at 6.0 per 1,000 in January and climbed steadily to peaks of 7.9 and 8.0 in May, July, and August. This peak coincides with the height of the summer tourism season. Following August, the rate began to decline, returning to 6.0 in November. This trend suggests that while the island is very safe for most of the year, the influx of visitors during the summer months brings a temporary increase in reported incidents. For residents, this predictability allows for better personal safety planning during the busier periods.

When compared to similar areas in the South, the Isle of Wight maintains a competitive safety profile. Nearby mainland locations such as Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, New Forest, and Southampton all report lower crime rates in this dataset, while Eastleigh stands at 63.3 per 1,000. It is important to note that the island's statistics are often influenced by its distinct seasonal population shifts, which may differ from the more consistent urban patterns of its mainland neighbours. Overall, the Isle of Wight remains a safe regional choice, particularly for those prioritising lower property crime rates than those found in larger mainland cities.

The Isle of Wight's property crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents highlights a relatively secure environment for homeowners. However, traditional security measures are often reactive, providing evidence only after a crime has occurred. For residents seeking true peace of mind, a proactive approach is superior. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses, scOS can deter potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. This is particularly valuable on the island, where the "element of surprise" can be a powerful deterrent. Moving beyond simple recording to active prevention ensures that your home remains secure, regardless of seasonal fluctuations in local activity.

How To Keep Safe in Isle of Wight

The highest crime category on the Isle of Wight is violence and sexual offences, which often correlates with the island's vibrant nightlife and seasonal tourist activity. To stay safe, consider these localized suggestions:

• Be Mindful During Peak Season: During summer months and major events like the Isle of Wight Festival, be extra vigilant in crowded areas and plan your transport in advance.
• Stick to Well-Lit Routes: When walking at night in resort towns like Ryde or Sandown, stay on main roads and avoid poorly lit coastal paths or parks.
• Secure Holiday Homes: If you own a second home or holiday let, ensure it has visible security. Unattended properties can be targets for opportunistic theft.
• Report Public Disorder: With public order being a top three crime type, reporting disruptive behaviour early can help local police manage hotspots effectively.
• Vehicle Security at Attractions: When parking at popular tourist spots, ensure all windows are closed and no bags or electronics are visible, as these can attract opportunistic thieves.