Isles of Scilly Crime Rate

The Isles of Scilly boast an impressive safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 30.9 per 1,000 people and a safety score of 92/100. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, confirming the islands' reputation as one of the safest places to live in the country. While the area has seen a 21.7% year-over-year increase in reported crime, the actual volume of incidents remains very low due to the small population of 2,366. Property crime is particularly infrequent, with a rate of just 11.4 per 1,000. These statistics reflect a community where serious crime is an anomaly, though seasonal fluctuations in tourism do bring some low-level opportunistic offences to the archipelago.

About Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast, presents one of the most unique crime landscapes in the United Kingdom. With a small, stable population of 2,366, the area is characterised by its remote, rural nature and a strong sense of community. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which causes the population to swell significantly during the summer months. This influx of visitors is a primary driver of the local crime statistics, particularly in categories like 'other theft' and shoplifting.

The islands lack the traditional urban drivers of crime; there are no major transport hubs, industrial centres, or large-scale nightlife districts. However, the geographic isolation and the transient nature of the summer population can influence reporting. Most crime is low-level and non-violent, often occurring in the main settlement of Hugh Town on St Mary's. The high safety score of 92/100 reflects the islands' status as one of the most peaceful places to live in Britain, where the risk of serious criminal activity remains exceptionally low for the permanent resident population.

Crime Breakdown in Isles of Scilly

In the Isles of Scilly, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type, accounting for 45.2% of the total, with a rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents. It is important to note that in small populations, these percentages can be skewed by a small number of incidents. 'Other theft' and shoplifting are the next most common, representing 12.3% and 11.0% of the total respectively. These are often seasonal and linked to the tourism industry.

Property-related crime is very low on the islands, with an overall rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, which occurs at a very low rate of 0.8 per 1,000, and vehicle crime, which is almost non-existent at 0.4 per 1,000. For residents, this means that the traditional fears of home invasion or car theft are statistically minimal. However, the prevalence of theft-related offences suggests that opportunistic crime still exists, particularly during the busy summer season. Homeowners can enjoy a level of security that is rare on the mainland, though basic precautions remain sensible to maintain this high standard of safety.

Crime Trends in Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly have experienced a 21.7% increase in crime over the last year. While this percentage seems high, it is important to contextualise it within the islands' small population; a handful of additional reports can significantly shift the trend data. Monthly statistics show that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak of 5.1 in September 2025 and 4.2 in both April and July 2025.

The lowest crime rates were recorded in January and May 2025, both at 0.9 per 1,000. These fluctuations appear to correlate with the tourist season, as the peaks occur during the months when visitor numbers are highest. For residents, this suggests that the islands remain extremely safe for most of the year, with a slight increase in activity during the spring and summer. The overall trend indicates a slight rise in reporting, but the Isles of Scilly continue to maintain one of the lowest absolute crime volumes in the United Kingdom.

The Isles of Scilly exist in a unique geographical context, and comparing them to mainland areas highlights their safety. Similar areas in the region, such as Cornwall, Plymouth, West Devon, South Hams, Torridge, and Teignbridge, all report a crime rate of 0.0 in this specific dataset. While this likely reflects data reporting boundaries rather than a total absence of crime, it underscores the Isles of Scilly's position within a broader region of the South West that is generally very safe. For those looking for a secure, low-crime environment, the islands represent the pinnacle of safety, even when compared to the relatively quiet mainland districts of Devon and Cornwall.

Securing Your Home in the Isles of Scilly

With a property crime rate of only 11.4 per 1,000 residents, the Isles of Scilly are a sanctuary compared to most of the UK. Burglary and vehicle crime are exceptionally rare, yet the 21.7% increase in overall crime suggests that even this idyllic archipelago is not entirely immune to modern trends. For many residents, especially those with second homes or properties left vacant during the off-season, maintaining this high level of security is a priority.

Traditional security systems are often reactive, merely recording footage of an incident. In a remote location like the Isles of Scilly, where police response times may be affected by geography, proactive protection is far more valuable. The scOS AI-powered operating system provides this by monitoring your property's boundaries 24/7. It uses multi-camera intelligence to identify real threats while ignoring the harmless movements of local wildlife or neighbours. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers. For islanders, this means your security system doesn't just watch a crime happen—it prevents it, ensuring your home remains one of the safest in the country.

How To Keep Safe in Isles of Scilly

The most common crime type on the Isles of Scilly is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 45.2% of all reports. In a small, tight-knit community, these incidents are often domestic or personal in nature rather than random acts of violence. To maintain personal safety, it is important to foster strong community ties and look out for one another, as is the tradition on the islands.

To stay safe, follow these broader regional tips: Firstly, be mindful of your personal safety during the busier summer months when the islands host many visitors. Secondly, although the risk is low, ensure that holiday rentals and homes are secured when you are away to prevent opportunistic 'other theft.' Thirdly, be aware of your surroundings when walking on remote coastal paths, especially in changing weather conditions. Finally, report any suspicious or unusual activity to the local police; in a small community, early intervention is key to preventing low-level issues from escalating. The islands are a model of safety, and maintaining this requires nothing more than the continued vigilance and community spirit for which the Scillonians are known.