Laugharne Crime Rate

Laugharne's crime profile reveals a striking contrast to national trends, particularly in the sharp rise of violence and sexual offences (+136.4% YoY) and the burglary rate, which is 120% above the UK average. Despite this, the area's overall crime rate (44.6 per 1,000) remains 51% below the UK average, reflecting its status as a very safe community. The interplay between localized concerns and broader safety metrics highlights the need for targeted crime prevention strategies.

Laugharne is a small coastal town in Carmarthenshire, known for its historic architecture, proximity to the Gower Peninsula, and a mix of residential and commercial properties. Its compact size and tourist appeal may contribute to higher property crime rates, while its relatively low population density could influence the distribution of violent crimes. Economic factors, such as seasonal tourism and local employment opportunities, may also shape crime patterns.

The most surprising finding in Laugharne's crime profile is the burglary rate, which is 120% above the UK average (7.3 vs 3.3 per 1,000). This could be attributed to the town's historic properties, which may have older security systems, or the concentration of holiday homes that are often unoccupied for extended periods. Violence and sexual offences, while 26% below the UK average (23.6 vs 32.1 per 1,000), have surged by 136.4% YoY—this sharp increase may reflect seasonal spikes during the summer months or localized events. Public order crimes, which are 13% below the UK average, may be influenced by the town's tourist demographic, with minor incidents often linked to transient visitors.

Crime in Laugharne has increased by 32.4% YoY, with violence and sexual offences surging by 136.4%—the fastest-growing category. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased tourism in the summer months, which could contribute to localized spikes in incidents. The monthly trend shows a clear peak in May 2025 (7.3 per 1,000), followed by a decline, suggesting a seasonal pattern. While property crime has remained relatively stable, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences highlights a need for targeted interventions, particularly during periods of heightened activity.

How To Keep Safe in Laugharne

For residents concerned about burglary, secure all entry points with high-quality locks and consider systems that detect intruders before they gain access. Given Laugharne's burglary rate of 7.3 per 1,000, which is 120% above the UK average, installing motion-activated lights around properties can deter opportunists. For those worried about the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences, avoid isolated areas during the evening, when such crimes are most likely to occur. Community engagement, such as participating in local safety initiatives, can further reinforce the area's overall security posture.

Crime in Laugharne shows distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary peaks in the afternoon (64% of incidents) and evening (53%), likely due to unoccupied properties during daytime hours and increased foot traffic in the evenings. Vehicle crime rises sharply at night (14% of incidents), possibly linked to parking areas near local amenities being less monitored. The morning (47% burglary) and night (24% 'other' crimes) see lower activity, suggesting that most crimes occur when residents are away or when visibility is reduced. These trends align with the town's character as a small community where opportunistic crimes are more likely to occur during low-traffic periods.

Compared to St Clears, which has a crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 (72% higher than Laugharne), the latter remains a safer option. This difference may be attributed to Laugharne's smaller population, lower density of commercial properties, and more tightly knit community structures, which can contribute to lower crime rates in comparable areas.

In Laugharne, where burglary is 120% above the UK average, proactive security measures are critical, scOS's AI-powered boundary detection identifies potential intruders before they breach property perimeters, triggering deterrents like lights and audio alerts. This system's ability to distinguish between legitimate visitors and threats—based on patterns like time of day—reduces false alarms. Given Laugharne's burglary rate of 7.3 per 1,000, such technology can disrupt intruders within the first minute, a window research shows most opportunists abandon attempts.