Llanelli Crime Rate

Llanelli is a prominent urban settlement in Carmarthenshire with an overall crime rate of 111.0 per 1,000 people. While this is higher than the UK average of 91.7, the town maintains a safety score of 73/100, reflecting its status as a busy commercial and residential hub. Recent data shows an increasing trend in crime, with a 25.1% rise year-over-year. This growth is primarily driven by social and public order offences rather than a sharp spike in property crime. Indeed, Llanelli’s property crime rate of 31.4 per 1,000 is slightly below the national average of 32.3. This guide explores the detailed breakdown of these statistics, providing Llanelli residents with the context needed to understand their local safety environment and the best ways to protect their homes and families.

Crime Breakdown in Llanelli

In Llanelli, violence and sexual offences constitute the largest category of crime, with 2,348 reported incidents making up 42.9% of all activity. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (ASB) at 13.1% (716 crimes) and criminal damage and arson at 10.2% (556 crimes). These figures indicate that social and public order issues are the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime in Llanelli, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 31.4 per 1,000 residents. This is very close to the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Llanelli faces typical urban challenges regarding property security. Within this category, shoplifting (5.6%) and other theft (5.1%) are the most prevalent, while burglary accounts for 3.8% of total crimes. For homeowners and business owners, the combination of criminal damage and theft suggests a need for robust physical security. Vehicle crime, while lower at 2.1%, still represents over 100 incidents annually, reminding residents that car security should not be overlooked. The presence of robbery (0.4%) and theft from the person (0.4%) is low but present, highlighting the importance of personal awareness in busy town centre areas.

Crime Trends in Llanelli

Llanelli has seen a significant rise in reported crime over the past 12 months, with a year-over-year increase of 25.1%. Starting from a rate of 8.4 per 1,000 in December 2024, the figures showed a steady climb throughout the first half of 2025. The crime rate peaked in the summer, reaching 10.1 in June and hitting a high of 10.7 in July 2025. This seasonal increase is a common pattern in urban areas but was particularly sharp this year.

Following the summer peak, the rate began to stabilise, returning to 8.4 in September and ending the period at 8.9 in November 2025. While the trend is currently 'increasing,' the latter months of the year suggest a cooling off from the summer highs. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of remaining vigilant during the busier summer months when public order and social crimes tend to escalate. Despite the overall increase, the property crime rate has remained relatively stable, suggesting that the rise is largely driven by non-property offences.

How To Keep Safe in Llanelli

Violence and sexual offences, alongside anti-social behaviour, are the most prevalent crime types in Llanelli. To ensure your personal safety in the town, consider these actionable tips:

1. When visiting the town centre or using public transport in the evenings, try to travel in groups and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
2. Be mindful of your personal belongings in busy retail zones to prevent opportunistic theft, which accounts for a notable portion of local crime.
3. If you encounter anti-social behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report the incident to the local authorities via the non-emergency line.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that any gates or side entrances are securely locked to deter those looking for easy targets for criminal damage.
5. Residents should consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about specific issues in their immediate street or block.

Crime Patterns in Llanelli

Criminal activity in Llanelli follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related crimes are most frequent, accounting for 38% and 40% of such offences respectively. This correlates with the town's retail hours, when shoplifting and other thefts in commercial areas are at their peak.

As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts toward social and public order issues. A staggering 61% of crimes during this period fall into the 'Other' category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences often linked to the evening economy. The late-night and early-morning hours (12am - 6am) present the highest risk for property owners; this period accounts for 23% of all burglaries and 20% of vehicle crimes. These figures suggest that while the town centre is busy with social activity in the evening, residential areas become more vulnerable in the small hours when properties are unattended or residents are asleep. Protecting vehicles and homes with overnight security measures is particularly important in Llanelli.

Llanelli serves as the major urban centre for several smaller nearby settlements. When compared to Bryn (46.5 crimes per 1,000) and Llangennech (48.3), Llanelli's rate of 111.0 is significantly higher, which is typical for a town of its size and population density. It is also more active than Pen-clawdd (42.2) and the neighbouring area of Pwll (97.5). For residents in the region, Llanelli represents the primary location for retail and nightlife, which naturally draws higher crime volumes than the surrounding suburban and rural villages. Understanding this regional hierarchy helps put Llanelli's statistics into perspective as the commercial heart of the area.

Enhancing Home Security in Llanelli

Llanelli's property crime rate of 31.4 per 1,000 people is nearly identical to the UK national average, highlighting that residents face a standard level of risk for an urban area. However, with crime increasing by 25.1% overall, traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that simply records a crime after it has occurred—may no longer be sufficient for those seeking true peace of mind.

A proactive approach is essential in a busy town like Llanelli. The scOS security operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter, detecting potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. Unlike DIY systems that merely send a notification when it's too late, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents such as lighting and audio alerts to stop a criminal in their tracks. By verified vehicle plates and recognising familiar routines, scOS ensures that you are only alerted to genuine threats. In an environment where opportunistic theft and criminal damage are the main property risks, making your home a 'hard target' through intelligent, proactive technology is the most effective way to prevent crime before it happens.