East Cowes Crime Rate

East Cowes, a key port town on the Isle of Wight, maintains a high standard of safety with a score of 82/100. This is notably better than the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate is 71.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend, with a 9.1% rise in total crime year-over-year. Property crime remains low at 18.6 per 1,000, well below the UK average of 32.2. While the town is generally secure, the high proportion of violence and sexual offences (46.9% of total crime) and the recent upward trend in activity suggest that residents should remain vigilant. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the crime patterns affecting East Cowes.

In East Cowes, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.9% of all reported incidents, totalling 310 crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 11.2%, followed by public order offences at 10.1%. These figures suggest that interpersonal conflicts and community-based disturbances are the primary focus for local authorities in this port town.

Property-related crime in East Cowes occurs at a rate of 18.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category includes shoplifting (9.5%), criminal damage and arson (7.7%), and burglary (2.1%). While the overall property crime rate is low, the town's role as a major ferry terminal and its industrial areas can attract opportunistic theft. Vehicle crime and bicycle theft both stand at 1.1%, reflecting a relatively secure environment for property owners. However, the 9.1% year-over-year increase in total crime suggests that residents should remain proactive about their security, particularly as theft and public order offences have seen some growth in the recent data period.

East Cowes is currently experiencing an increasing crime trend, with total offences rising by 9.1% year-over-year. While the town remains safe relative to the UK average, this upward movement indicates a need for heightened awareness and improved security among residents and businesses.

Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The year began with a relatively low rate of 4.8 per 1,000 in January, but activity increased through the spring, reaching 7.0 in May. Rates remained elevated during the summer and early autumn, with September also recording a peak of 7.0 per 1,000. A slight dip was seen in October (5.2), before rising again in November. This pattern suggests that criminal activity in East Cowes is not strictly seasonal but has remained consistently higher than in previous years. For residents, this 9.1% annual increase serves as a reminder to stay proactive about local safety and property protection.

How To Keep Safe in East Cowes

The most prevalent crime type in East Cowes is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.9% of total incidents. These are often concentrated around the town centre and port areas, particularly during busy travel times and late at night.

When using the ferry terminal or visiting central East Cowes in the evening, it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Planning your journeys and staying with companions can significantly enhance your personal safety.

For local business owners, shoplifting is a notable concern (9.5% of total crime). Maintaining good visibility within shops and using proactive monitoring can help deter opportunistic theft, especially during the busy afternoon periods when these offences peak.

To protect your home, ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are inside. Given the recent increase in local crime, using proactive security like scOS can provide an additional layer of safety. scOS uses AI to detect and deter intruders at your property boundary, ensuring that any suspicious activity is addressed before it can lead to a break-in.

Crime in East Cowes follows a distinct temporal pattern. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) see the highest proportion of theft-related offences, accounting for 40% and 41% of crimes in those periods, respectively. This aligns with the town's commercial activity and ferry terminal operations. As the evening (6pm-12am) approaches, there is a shift toward public order and anti-social behaviour. However, the night-time period (12am-6am) presents the highest relative risk for property owners. During these hours, burglary and vehicle crime account for a combined 31% of all reported incidents. This suggests that while the town is active during the day, properties and vehicles are most vulnerable in the early hours of the morning when the streets are at their quietest. Homeowners should ensure their security is most robust during these high-risk night-time hours.

In the context of the north Isle of Wight, East Cowes (71.5 per 1,000) is busier than its neighbour Cowes (47.8) and the nearby village of Wootton (48.9). It is, however, significantly safer than Newport, which sees a much higher crime rate of 134.5 per 1,000. Nearby Fishbourne reports 0.0 crimes per 1,000, highlighting the difference between the active port town and its quieter residential neighbours. East Cowes offers a relatively secure urban environment, though it experiences more activity than some of the more tranquil parts of the island's northern coast.

With property crime in East Cowes at 18.6 per 1,000, the risk of theft and burglary is lower than in many UK towns. However, the 9.1% year-over-year increase in total crime suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV, are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss.

scOS provides a proactive alternative that is well-suited to the evolving safety landscape of East Cowes. Its AI-powered multi-camera intelligence monitors your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home. If an unknown person is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and preventing the crime from escalating. For residents of East Cowes, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI-driven prevention with scOS is the most effective way to ensure their property remains secure, providing a professional-grade level of protection that deters intruders before they can act.