Carmarthen Crime Rate

Carmarthen's crime rate of 164.6 per 1,000 residents is 80% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences dominating local concerns. This 33.1% year-on-year increase highlights a stark contrast to national trends, raising questions about safety in public spaces and the impact on daily life for residents. The area's property crime rate is also notably higher than average, suggesting a complex interplay of socioeconomic and geographic factors.

Carmarthen is a historic market town in Carmarthenshire with a mix of residential, retail, and cultural hubs. Its compact layout and proximity to transport links may contribute to higher foot traffic and opportunities for anti-social behaviour. Economic challenges and a diverse population likely influence its crime profile, particularly in areas with high concentrations of retail and nightlife.

The most surprising finding is that violence and sexual offences in Carmarthen are 128% above the UK average, far exceeding other crime types. This may reflect the town's social dynamics, including potential gaps in community support systems or higher levels of transient populations. Shoplifting is also sharply elevated (111% above UK average), likely driven by the town's retail centres and foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour, while only 8% above average, aligns with the area's compact nature, where conflicts can escalate quickly in crowded spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime is 15% below the UK average but has surged by 135% YoY, possibly due to increased parking congestion or unsecured vehicles in commercial zones.

Crime in Carmarthen has risen sharply by 33.1% year-on-year, with vehicle crime surging 134.6% despite remaining below the UK average. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased traffic during holiday periods or changes in local transport patterns. The sharp rise in theft from the person (+91% YoY) and bicycle theft (+50% YoY) suggests heightened vulnerability in public spaces, possibly due to longer evenings and more outdoor activity during the data period. The peak in June 2025 (17.8 per 1,000/month) coincides with warmer weather and extended daylight hours, which may encourage both criminal activity and tourism-related incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Carmarthen

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially after dark, given the high rate of violence and sexual offences. Use well-lit routes and consider carrying a personal alarm. Secure vehicles in designated parking areas to mitigate the rising vehicle crime rate. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as the town's compact layout means incidents can spread quickly. For property security, invest in robust locks and motion-sensor lighting to deter burglary, which remains 21% above the UK average.

Crime in Carmarthen peaks during evenings and nights, with vehicle crime spiking between midnight and 6am (27% of night-time incidents), likely due to unoccupied parking areas. Theft is most common in the afternoon (49% of incidents during 12pm-6pm), correlating with shopping hours and retail activity. Burglary, though lower than theft, rises sharply at night (18% of incidents), suggesting opportunistic break-ins in residential areas. The town's compact layout and limited public transport may contribute to these patterns, as crimes often occur in high-traffic zones or isolated spots.

Compared to the UK average, Carmarthen's crime rate is 80.4% higher, and its property crime rate is 53.3% higher. This suggests residents may face greater risks than the national average, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited surveillance. While no specific neighbouring areas are available for comparison, the data underscores the need for targeted local safety measures.

Home security is critical in Carmarthen, where burglary rates are 21% above the UK average. Consider AI-powered systems like scOS, which use proactive boundary detection to identify threats before break-ins occur. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification feature is particularly relevant given the 135% YoY surge in vehicle crime, helping flag suspicious vehicles near properties. scOS’s behavioural pattern learning can reduce false alarms, ensuring residents are alerted only to genuine threats. These features align with the area’s need for real-time intervention, especially in high-crime periods like evenings and nights.