Cowes Crime Rate

Cowes, the world-renowned sailing centre on the Isle of Wight, recorded an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 48.2 per 1,000 people for the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This is nearly half the UK national average of 91.7, resulting in a very high safety score of 87/100 (UK average is 79/100). The crime trend in Cowes is currently stable, showing a negligible increase of 1.6% year-over-year. These figures confirm Cowes as one of the safest urban settlements in the region. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types and monthly trends, along with specific time-based insights to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape in this peaceful maritime town.

Cowes exhibits a crime profile where violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 51.8% of all incidents, with 373 crimes recorded annually. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (10.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.9%). Public order offences also feature prominently at 9.2%. These figures reflect the town's role as a world-renowned sailing hub and a vibrant social centre.

Property-related crime in Cowes has a combined rate of 11.7 per 1,000 people, which is exceptionally low compared to the UK average. Within this category, other theft (8.1%) and criminal damage (9.9%) are the most frequent. Burglary and vehicle crime are very rare, representing only 2.8% and 1.1% of the total crime respectively. For residents, this means that Cowes is one of the safest urban areas in the region, with very low risks of serious property-related offences. However, the prevalence of criminal damage and 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic vandalism and minor thefts are the primary concerns. Homeowners and business owners can maintain this high level of safety by employing sensible deterrents, particularly during major events like Cowes Week, when the town's population increases significantly and opportunistic incidents are more likely.

The monthly crime trend in Cowes shows a stable profile with some minor seasonal fluctuations. The year began with a rate of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024, dipping to its lowest point of 2.5 in February 2025. The rate then fluctuated through the spring and summer, reaching a peak of 6.0 in May and remaining relatively high during the busy August period (5.4). By November 2025, the rate had settled to 3.5.

With a year-over-year change of only 1.6%, the crime rate in Cowes is exceptionally stable. This consistency indicates that the town's safety environment is well-maintained despite the significant influx of visitors for sailing events. For residents, this stability is very reassuring, suggesting that while they should be slightly more vigilant during the peak summer months—particularly regarding opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour—the overall risk remains consistently low and predictable throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Cowes

The most common crime type in Cowes is violence and sexual offences, though the actual volume is very low. To maintain your personal safety, particularly during major events like Cowes Week, it is wise to remain in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings in the town centre. Plan your journeys in advance and travel with friends when socialising late at night.

Property crime in Cowes is exceptionally low, but the presence of criminal damage and 'other theft' suggests that basic security should still be maintained. Ensure that garden equipment and bicycles are not left unsecured in plain sight, and that side gates are locked. For vehicle owners, even in such a safe town, it is good practice to ensure your car is always locked and that no valuables are left on display. Being part of a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about any minor local issues, allowing for collective preventative action. These simple, proactive steps will help you enjoy the very high level of safety that Cowes offers while ensuring your property remains secure.

Analysis of time-based crime patterns in Cowes reveals that different types of offences peak at various times of the day, though overall volumes are low. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) and afternoons (12pm - 6pm) see a high concentration of theft-related crimes, accounting for 54% and 56% of incidents in those periods respectively. This corresponds with the town's daily commercial activity. As the day moves into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, become more dominant, making up 58% of reports.

The night-time period (12am - 6am) shows a shift in the risk profile. While total crime is at its lowest, the percentage of burglary and vehicle crime peaks during these hours, accounting for 21% and 11% of incidents respectively. This suggests that properties and vehicles are most vulnerable during the quietest hours. Residents should ensure that home security measures are effective overnight, while remaining aware of opportunistic theft during busy daytime periods, particularly during the town's major sailing events.

In a local context, Cowes (48.2 per 1,000) is one of the safest urban areas on the Isle of Wight. It has a significantly lower crime rate than nearby East Cowes (71.6) and is much safer than the island's main hub, Newport (134.0). Its safety profile is almost identical to that of nearby Wootton (48.3). While it has more reported activity than the very small rural settlement of Great Thorness, Cowes remains a standout for safety among the island's larger towns. For those considering the region, Cowes offers a premier combination of maritime heritage and an exceptionally secure residential environment, making it a highly desirable location.

With a property crime rate of only 11.7 per 1,000 people, Cowes is an exceptionally safe place for homeowners. However, even in low-crime areas, property-related offences like criminal damage and opportunistic theft can occur, particularly during busy events. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, are essentially reactive; they provide you with a recording of an event after it has already occurred, which is often too late to prevent loss or damage.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's entire boundary, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time. It learns to distinguish between your family, delivery drivers, and suspicious activity, ensuring that you only receive alerts for genuine threats. If an unidentified person is detected near your home or vehicle at night—the time when burglaries in Cowes are most likely—the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio deterrents. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise and often discourages criminals before they even attempt a break-in. In a safe town like Cowes, scOS provides the ultimate peace of mind.