Carmarthen Crime Rate

Carmarthen's latest crime data for the period of December 2024 to November 2025 reveals an overall crime rate of 163.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 59/100, compared to the national benchmark of 79/100. Most notably, the area has seen a sharp 47.7% increase in crime year-over-year, indicating a substantial shift in the local safety landscape. As the primary urban settlement and administrative centre for Carmarthenshire, the town naturally experiences higher crime volumes than its rural surroundings. This analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring in Carmarthen, the times they are most prevalent, and how these trends compare to the wider region.

In Carmarthen, the crime statistics are primarily driven by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.4% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour (9.6%) and shoplifting (8.6%) follow as the next most frequent crime types. These figures reflect the typical challenges of an urban centre that serves as a regional hub for commerce and nightlife.

Property crime in Carmarthen is recorded at 46.3 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This total includes shoplifting (8.6%), public order offences (8.3%), criminal damage and arson (8.3%), and other theft (5.3%). Burglary accounts for 2.6% of total crime, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners and residents, this means that while burglary is not the most common threat, the overall risk of theft and property damage is elevated. The high rate of shoplifting also indicates a significant level of "business crime" within the town's retail areas, which can sometimes spill over into residential concerns.

The crime trend in Carmarthen is currently on a significant upward trajectory, with a 47.7% increase in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly analysis from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents rising from 12.2 in December to a peak of 17.8 in June 2025. This mid-year surge was particularly pronounced, though rates remained elevated throughout the summer and autumn, ending the period at 13.9 in November. This sustained increase suggests a period of heightened criminal activity or a significant change in reporting within the town. For residents and local businesses, this trend emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures and greater community awareness to mitigate the rising risks.

How To Keep Safe in Carmarthen

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Carmarthen, personal safety in the town centre is a key priority. When walking through the town, especially during the evening or late-night hours associated with the local nightlife, stay in well-lit areas and try to travel with friends. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated shortcuts can significantly reduce your risk.

Given the high rate of shoplifting and other theft, be particularly vigilant in the town's shopping districts. Keep your personal belongings secure and never leave bags unattended in cafes or shops. For car owners, the 26% spike in vehicle crime during the night suggests that using secure, well-lit parking is essential. If you live in the town, ensuring your home is visibly secured can help deter opportunistic thieves. Engaging with local community alerts and following advice from Dyfed-Powys Police can also keep you updated on any specific local safety concerns.

Crime in Carmarthen follows distinct time-based patterns, largely influenced by its role as a commercial and social hub. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences dominate, accounting for nearly half of all crimes in these periods. This aligns with the town's peak retail hours. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), there is a notable shift, with "other" crimes becoming more prominent, likely reflecting the town's nightlife and social activity. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a significant increase in the proportion of vehicle crime (26%) and burglary (19%), suggesting that criminals target unattended properties and vehicles under the cover of darkness. Understanding these shifts allows residents to better time their security precautions.

Carmarthen serves as the dominant urban hub for the surrounding area, and its crime rate of 163.7 per 1,000 reflects this. In comparison, neighbouring settlements such as Abergwili, Bronwydd, Peniel, and Nantgaredig report virtually no crime, highlighting the stark difference between the town centre and its rural outskirts. For those living in or visiting the region, it is important to understand that while the town has higher reported figures, the surrounding villages remain some of the safest in the country. This local context is vital for anyone considering moving to the area, as safety can vary significantly over just a few miles.

In Carmarthen, where the property crime rate is 46.3 per 1,000—well above the UK average—relying on traditional security measures may not be enough. Standard CCTV cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, often leaving you with footage of a burglary but no way to stop it. To truly secure your home in an area with an increasing crime trend, proactive protection is required. The scOS AI-powered operating system changes the dynamic by detecting threats at your property boundary. By using autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, scOS deters criminals before they attempt a break-in. Its intelligent pattern learning and vehicle verification ensure that the system only alerts you to real threats, providing professional-grade security. For Carmarthen residents, scOS offers a way to move from recording crime to actively preventing it, providing a robust defence in a challenging urban environment.