Ambleside Crime Rate

Crime in Ambleside

Ambleside is a vibrant town in the heart of the Lake District, maintaining a safety score of 83/100, which is well above the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate stands at 68.0 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. Most encouragingly, the crime rate has decreased by 16.5% over the past year, indicating a positive trend in local safety. As a major destination for visitors, Ambleside's crime data often reflects the pressures of tourism, with theft and public order offences featuring alongside more common residential concerns. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of crime types, trends, and timing to help residents and business owners stay informed and secure.

Crime Breakdown in Ambleside

Ambleside's crime statistics are heavily influenced by its status as a major tourism hub. Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent crime type, accounting for 44.3% of all reports with 90 incidents annually. Shoplifting is the second most common, comprising 12.3% of total crime, followed closely by public order offences at 9.8%. These figures are often reflective of the high transient population and the active nightlife and hospitality sectors in the town.

Overall property crime—which includes shoplifting, burglary, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 22.7 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a significant factor for local business owners and residents. Other theft (9.4%) and criminal damage (7.4%) also contribute to the local property crime profile. For homeowners, burglary is relatively low at 4.4% of total crime, but the higher rates of general theft and criminal damage suggest that maintaining visible and effective security is important to deter opportunistic offences in this busy Lake District town.

Crime Trends in Ambleside

Ambleside has seen a very positive trend over the last 12 months, with the overall crime rate decreasing by 16.5%. This reduction is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a general decline from the higher rates seen in late 2024. The highest crime rate was recorded in September 2025 (8.4 per 1,000), possibly coinciding with late-summer tourism peaks, followed by October 2025 (7.0 per 1,000).

The lowest activity was observed in June 2025, where the rate dropped to 3.4 per 1,000, and January 2025 at 4.0. The volatility in the monthly figures—such as the jump from 3.4 in June to 8.4 in September—suggests that crime in Ambleside is highly seasonal. For residents, the overall downward trend is reassuring, but the significant spikes during the autumn months indicate that vigilance should remain high as the tourist season winds down. Understanding these patterns helps the community stay prepared for the periods of highest activity.

How To Keep Safe in Ambleside

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Ambleside, accounting for 44.3% of total reports. While the overall town is safe, the following advice can help maintain personal security in this busy tourist area.

1. Situational Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or during late-night hours when hospitality venues are busiest.
2. Secure Your Belongings: With shoplifting and other theft being common, always keep personal items secure and never leave bags unattended in cafes or pubs.
3. Plan Your Journey: If enjoying the local nightlife, plan how you will get home in advance and stay with friends where possible.
4. Business Security: For shop owners, ensure your premises are well-lit and consider AI-powered monitoring to deter shoplifting, which is a significant local issue.
5. Report Concerns: Early reporting of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity helps the local police manage the town's unique visitor-related challenges effectively.

Crime Timing in Ambleside

The timing of criminal activity in Ambleside is closely linked to the town's commercial and social cycles. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 64% and 63% of crimes respectively. This is typical for a town with a high density of retail and hospitality businesses, where opportunistic theft is most likely during opening hours.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts. Burglary increases to 22% of reports, while "Other" crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, rise to 46%. The most significant risk for residential properties occurs during the night (12am - 6am), when burglary peaks at 36% of all incidents. Theft remains a factor throughout the night but at a much lower rate (21%). This data suggests that while daytime security should focus on preventing theft, night-time security must prioritize protecting homes and businesses against break-ins.

Nearby Area Comparison

Ambleside's crime rate of 68.0 per 1,000 residents puts it in a unique position within the region. It is safer than its neighbour Grasmere, which has a rate of 86.6, and vastly more secure than Bowness-on-Windermere, where tourism-related crime drives the rate to 214.3. However, it is less quiet than Windermere (40.4) and the very rural Hawkshead, which recorded no crimes. For those considering the area, Ambleside offers a moderate crime profile for a busy tourist centre, benefiting from a significant downward trend that sets it apart from some of its neighbours where crime is currently increasing. It remains a very safe choice compared to the UK average.

Proactive Protection in Ambleside

With a property crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 people, Ambleside residents and business owners face a moderate risk of theft and criminal damage. In a town with high footfall, traditional security systems like standard CCTV often fail because they are reactive; they record a crime but do nothing to stop it. For those seeking real security, a proactive approach is essential.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, distinguishing between regular visitors and potential intruders. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio warnings, deterring burglars who usually decide to strike within 60 seconds. In Ambleside, where burglary risk peaks at night, the ability of scOS to intervene in real-time provides a level of protection that standard recording devices simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI security ensures your property is a difficult target in this busy town.