The question of how tourism affects crime rates in the Isles of Scilly is a valid one, especially considering the increased population and activity that visitors bring. Fortunately, data paints a reassuring picture. The Isles of Scilly, designated as a Local Authority District (LAD), currently boast a crime rate of 33.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, which stands at 91.6 incidents per 1,000. Furthermore, the Isles of Scilly receive a safety score of 91 out of 100, considerably higher than the UK average of 79.
This low crime rate suggests that the islands maintain a high level of safety and security, regardless of the influx of tourists. While tourism inevitably leads to a larger population during peak seasons, there’s no readily available data to indicate a direct correlation between tourist numbers and a rise in crime. It's important to remember that the population of the Isles of Scilly is relatively small, at just 2366 residents. This close-knit community fosters a strong sense of security and mutual responsibility, likely contributing to the low crime rate.
It's crucial to note that crime statistics can fluctuate, and while the current figures are positive, continued vigilance is essential. This includes both residents and visitors being aware of their surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Although the Isles of Scilly benefit from a low crime rate, maintaining that safety requires proactive engagement from everyone.
While detailed breakdowns of crime types linked to tourism are not readily available, the overall safety score and low crime rate provide a positive indication of the islands’ security, suggesting that tourism, while increasing footfall, is not significantly driving up crime rates.