Hugh Town Crime Rate

Hugh Town Crime Statistics

Hugh Town is an exceptionally safe and secure town, boasting a high safety score of 92/100. Its annual crime rate of 32.1 per 1,000 people is far below the UK national average of 93.1. While the recent trend data shows a 21.7% increase year-over-year, the area remains an exceptionally low-crime environment. The property crime rate is also notably low at 11.9 per 1,000 residents. This data reflects the peaceful nature of the town, offering an extremely low-risk environment for its 2,271 residents. This combination of a high safety score and a low crime rate makes Hugh Town an ideal and secure place to live and visit.

Crime in Hugh Town

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hugh Town, representing 45.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by 'other theft' at 12.3% and shoplifting at 11.0%. The property crime rate in Hugh Town—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 11.9 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly three times lower than the UK average of 32.9. For residents, this data indicates an extremely high level of safety regarding property and personal belongings. While violent crime remains the top statistical category, the overall incident volume is very low, reflecting the town's status as the peaceful administrative heart of the islands. Property crime is very rare, making it one of the most secure towns in the country.

Hugh Town Crime Trends

The crime trend in Hugh Town shows a 21.7% increase in total reported incidents over the last year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 0.9 in January to a peak of 5.3 in September. Other notable peaks occurred in April and July (4.4). This upward trend is measured from a very low base and does not significantly impact the town's status as an exceptionally safe area. Seasonal variations are present, often coinciding with peak tourism periods. For residents, this means the area remains a very secure place to live, despite the recent increase in reported crime.

How To Keep Safe in Hugh Town

The most common crime in Hugh Town is violence and sexual offences, though the overall risk remains extremely low. To stay safe in the community:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the town at night, and stick to well-lit routes.
2. Report any suspicious anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them manage potential hotspots.
3. Keep your vehicle locked and ensure no valuables are on display, particularly overnight when vehicle crime is most likely.
4. When in busy retail or tourism areas, be mindful of your personal belongings to prevent opportunistic theft.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system for your home; even in an exceptionally safe town, visible deterrence is a powerful tool against crime.

Crime Timing in Hugh Town

Crime in Hugh Town follows a pattern that reflects its role as a tourism and retail hub. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily associated with theft-related offences (63-66%), which are likely occurring in the town's commercial areas. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' offences, including anti-social behaviour. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the peak period for burglary, which accounts for 21% of incidents during this window, and vehicle crime also reaches its peak at 16%. This timing suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, night-time crime targets unattended properties and vehicles under the cover of darkness. Overall incident volumes remain very low.

Regional Context

In the local area, Hugh Town stands out as a sanctuary of safety. Its crime rate of 32.1 is much lower than nearby St Just (60.6) on the mainland. It neighbours areas like Old Town, Kelynack, and St Buryan, which have all recorded zero crimes, highlighting the overall low-crime nature of the surrounding islands and rural mainland. Compared to larger regional centres, Hugh Town provides an exceptionally secure residential option while still being the main hub of the Isles of Scilly. It is one of the safest urban settlements in the UK.

Protecting Your Property in Hugh Town

Hugh Town enjoys an exceptionally low property crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000 people, but homeowners should still be proactive about security. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, which may not prevent the incident. For true peace of mind in Hugh Town, a proactive approach is superior. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with intelligent sensors, scOS can identify potential threats and intervene autonomously. Whether it's triggering lights or audio warnings, the system is designed to deter intruders before they reach your home. This proactive stance is especially effective against opportunistic thefts, ensuring that your property remains secure. By choosing prevention over recording, you can maintain the high safety standards that Hugh Town is known for.