Carmarthenshire Crime Rate

The latest crime statistics for Carmarthenshire show an overall crime rate of 81.4 per 1,000 people, which is comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7. The county enjoys a high safety score of 80/100, placing it above the UK average of 79 and highlighting it as a relatively secure region. However, there has been a significant 36.8% increase in reported crimes year-over-year, suggesting a notable upward trend that residents should be aware of. Despite this increase, property crime remains low compared to national figures. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the local safety landscape to help the nearly 191,000 residents of Carmarthenshire stay informed and protected.

About Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire is a diverse local authority in West Wales, often referred to as the 'Garden of Wales'. The area is characterised by a mix of rural landscapes, coastal towns, and larger urban settlements like Llanelli, Carmarthen, and Ammanford. This mix of environments significantly influences the local crime statistics.

The area's economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture and forestry, but it also has a significant tourism sector, particularly along the coast and in the Brecon Beacons. Tourism can lead to a transient population during peak seasons, which sometimes correlates with fluctuations in crime rates. Urban areas like Llanelli have a more industrial heritage and higher population density, which typically accounts for a higher concentration of reported incidents compared to the sparsely populated rural hinterlands. Transport links, including the M4 corridor and the main rail line, also play a role in the area's accessibility and demographic movement. Overall, the lower population density of the county contributes to a crime rate that is generally lower than the UK average.

Crime Breakdown in Carmarthenshire

In Carmarthenshire, the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for a significant 46.3% of all reported incidents. This results in a rate of 37.7 per 1,000 residents. The next most common categories are anti-social behaviour (10.7%) and criminal damage and arson (9.6%).

Property-related crime—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—presents a combined rate of 21.6 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, indicating that Carmarthenshire is a relatively low-risk area for property owners. Within this, burglary accounts for 3.6% of total crime, and vehicle crime represents 2.3%. While these figures are encouraging, the high percentage of violence and sexual offences (46.3%) suggests that personal safety remains a priority for the community. For residents, the data indicates that while their homes are statistically safer than in many other parts of the UK, awareness and basic security measures are still necessary to maintain this high safety standard.

Crime Trends in Carmarthenshire

The crime trend in Carmarthenshire is currently increasing, with a significant 36.8% rise in reported offences compared to the previous year. This upward trajectory is a key insight for residents to consider. Analysis of the monthly trendData from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a steady climb in the crime rate per 1,000 people, starting at 5.8 in December and reaching a peak of 8.1 in July 2025.

Following the summer peak, the rate fluctuated but remained higher than the previous winter's levels, ending the period at 6.5 in November 2025. This pattern suggests that while there is some seasonal variation, the baseline for reported crime in the county has shifted upwards. For residents, this means that while Carmarthenshire remains statistically safer than many parts of the UK, the increasing trend warrants a more proactive approach to personal and property security than might have been necessary in previous years.

In the regional context of West and South Wales, Carmarthenshire's crime rate of 81.4 per 1,000 people is notably higher than its immediate neighbours in this specific data set. Nearby authorities such as Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000, as do Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil. This disparity often occurs in data reporting where one local authority captures more comprehensive urban incident data than surrounding areas. While Carmarthenshire appears to have more crime than its neighbours, it remains safer than the UK average. For those looking to live in the region, Carmarthenshire offers a high safety score of 80/100, making it a competitive choice for security and quality of life.

While Carmarthenshire's property crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the UK average, the recent 36.8% overall increase in crime is a clear signal for homeowners to review their security. Traditional security often relies on reactive measures—cameras that record a burglary while it happens or alarms that sound only after a window is broken. For real peace of mind, proactive protection is the more effective choice.

The scOS system uses advanced AI to create a proactive shield around your property. It doesn't just record video; it actively monitors your boundaries for suspicious activity. scOS can distinguish between a family member and a genuine threat, only alerting you when it matters. By using autonomous responses like activating deterrent lights or audio warnings the moment a threat is detected at the property line, scOS stops potential criminals in their tracks. In an area like Carmarthenshire, where safety is generally high but crime is on the rise, investing in a system that prevents crime before it happens is the smartest way to protect your home.

How To Keep Safe in Carmarthenshire

The most frequent crime in Carmarthenshire is violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.3% of all reports. While the county is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Be aware of your surroundings when in busier town centres like Llanelli or Carmarthen, particularly during the evening and on weekends.
2. Ensure your home is well-secured with modern locks and consider installing motion-activated external lighting to deter anti-social behaviour.
3. If you are out late, try to stay with friends and use well-lit, familiar routes to get home. Avoid walking alone through isolated or unlit areas.
4. Keep your car locked and avoid leaving any items, even small ones, on display. Although vehicle crime is low (2.3%), opportunistic theft can still occur.
5. Stay connected with your local community through Neighbourhood Watch or local social media groups to stay informed about any recent incidents or suspicious activity in your area.