Isle of Wight Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight presents a notable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 84.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions the island as safer than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area's safety is further reflected in its impressive safety score of 79 out of 100, which is slightly above the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Isle of Wight has remained stable, experiencing a minor decrease of 0.2%. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the current safety landscape and set the context for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and trends within the region.

About the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight, a distinct local authority district, is characterised by its unique blend of rural landscapes, charming coastal towns, and a significant tourism industry. Its status as an island means it experiences a degree of geographical isolation from mainland pressures. The population of 141,660 is relatively stable, though it sees an influx of visitors, particularly during the summer months, which can influence activity levels across the island. Major transport hubs are primarily ferry terminals connecting to the mainland. While largely residential and rural, the island also has commercial centres, particularly in towns like Newport and Ryde. Economic factors often tie into seasonal tourism, which can see fluctuations in employment and population density. These characteristics collectively contribute to the area's crime statistics, influencing both the types and patterns of offences observed across the Isle of Wight.

Crime Type Analysis in Isle of Wight

An examination of crime types in the Isle of Wight reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 46.3% of all reported crimes with a rate of 39.0 per 1,000 people. Following this, Anti-social behaviour makes up 10.6% of offences at 8.9 per 1,000, and Public order crimes represent 9.7% at 8.1 per 1,000. These three categories collectively form the majority of criminal activity on the island.

When focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, the Isle of Wight records a rate of 22.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 2.0 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.2 per 1,000, and other theft at 4.9 per 1,000. These figures suggest a comparatively lower risk for residents and homeowners regarding offences against their property, though vigilance and appropriate security measures remain important.

Crime Trends in Isle of Wight

Over the past year, the Isle of Wight has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minimal decrease of 0.2% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 people reveals some fluctuations throughout the period. The crime rate remained consistent at 6.8 per 1,000 from October to December 2024, before dipping to 6.0 in January 2025. There was a gradual increase into spring and summer, reaching peaks of 7.9 in May 2025 and 8.0 in July and August 2025. The rate then returned to 6.8 in September 2025, indicating a seasonal pattern with higher crime during warmer months. This stable overall trend suggests that while there are monthly variations, the long-term crime landscape for residents has not significantly worsened or improved, maintaining a consistent level of safety.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a broader context for the Isle of Wight's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare it with several nearby areas. The Isle of Wight's overall crime rate of 84.2 per 1,000 is lower than that of Portsmouth, a busier urban centre, and likely lower than Southampton and Eastleigh, which are also significant urban areas on the mainland. Gosport and Fareham, often considered more suburban, might present varying crime profiles, while the largely rural New Forest would likely have a lower crime rate. These comparisons highlight the Isle of Wight's relatively favourable position within the wider region, offering a generally safer environment compared to some of its more densely populated mainland counterparts.

Protecting Your Property in Isle of Wight

Given the Isle of Wight's property crime rate of 22.6 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average, it remains crucial for homeowners to consider robust security measures. While traditional CCTV systems can provide footage of a burglary, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it happens. This is where proactive security becomes invaluable.

Instead of simply recording an incident, advanced systems like scOS offer a different approach. They utilise AI-powered detection at the property boundary, identifying threats before a break-in occurs. Imagine a system that watches all cameras simultaneously, never missing a detail, and can even verify vehicle registrations. Such technology learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, avoiding nuisance notifications. In the critical 60 seconds when a burglar assesses a property, visible deterrence from a professional-grade system can make them move on. While DIY systems have their place, professional security focuses on real-time intervention and prevention, ensuring your property is seriously protected.