Carmarthenshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire recorded an overall crime rate of 82.4 per 1,000 residents over the last year, positioning the area as safer than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a safety score of 79 out of 100, Carmarthenshire stands slightly above the national average score of 78. However, the latest figures reveal an increasing trend in crime, with a notable 42.9% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of the current crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types, their patterns, and how the region compares to its surrounding areas.

About Carmarthenshire and its Crime Statistics

Carmarthenshire, a diverse local authority district in Wales, presents a varied landscape that contributes to its crime statistics. The area encompasses a mix of urban centres, such as Llanelli and Carmarthen, alongside extensive rural and coastal regions. This blend of environments means crime patterns can differ significantly across the district, with urban areas often experiencing higher rates of certain offences compared to more secluded rural communities. Key activities like tourism, particularly along the coast and in market towns, can lead to transient populations and increased footfall, potentially influencing crime rates. Additionally, the presence of transport hubs and commercial centres in larger towns may contribute to specific crime types like theft and anti-social behaviour. The overall population density and local economic factors also play a role in shaping the area's safety profile, creating a complex picture for residents and visitors alike.

Crime Type Analysis in Carmarthenshire

The crime statistics for Carmarthenshire indicate that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 7,371 crimes, or 46.9% of the total recorded offences. This translates to a rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime, with 1,580 incidents (10.1% of the total), followed closely by Criminal damage and arson, which saw 1,518 reported cases (9.7% of the total). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for the community.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Carmarthenshire recorded a rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that while specific issues exist, property security is generally better than the national picture. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures means being particularly aware of personal safety and community behaviour, whilst also maintaining vigilance regarding property protection, despite the lower overall property crime rate.

Crime Trends in Carmarthenshire

Over the last year, Carmarthenshire has experienced an increasing crime trend, with an overall rise of 42.9% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations in crime rates across the period. Rates were relatively stable in late 2024, at 7.3 per 1,000 in October and 6.7 in November, before dipping to 5.8 in December. The early months of 2025 saw a gradual increase, reaching 7.0 in March and 7.2 in April. A notable peak occurred in July 2025 with 8.1 crimes per 1,000, suggesting a seasonal influence or specific events contributing to higher activity during summer. While September 2025 showed a decrease to 6.0 per 1,000, the general upward trajectory indicates a need for residents to remain informed and proactive about their safety and security measures. This trend suggests that continued vigilance and awareness of local crime patterns are important for the community.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Carmarthenshire to its neighbouring local authorities, a broader regional context for crime and safety emerges. Carmarthenshire's overall crime rate of 82.4 per 1,000 is generally lower than that of more urbanised areas like Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, and often comparable to Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, which share similar demographic and geographic characteristics. More densely populated regions such as Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil typically present different crime profiles, often with higher rates due to urban challenges. Understanding these regional differences helps residents gauge Carmarthenshire's safety within its local context, noting that while it generally performs well, specific urban centres within the county may face localised challenges similar to their more densely populated neighbours.

Protecting Your Home in Carmarthenshire

Given the crime statistics in Carmarthenshire, particularly the property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems merely record incidents, providing footage after a burglary has occurred, modern AI-powered solutions like scOS offer a fundamentally different approach. The focus shifts from reactive recording to proactive prevention, detecting threats at the property boundary before an intruder can gain entry. This advanced capability, utilising multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning to recognise routines, intervenes in real-time by activating lights and engaging speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For homeowners, this means that instead of receiving a notification after the fact, a professional-grade system actively deters potential criminals. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for a burglar – they move on, seeking an easier target, thereby enhancing local property protection in Carmarthenshire.