Llanelli Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Llanelli's crime rate stood at 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.3% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure highlights a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Carmarthenshire, where violent crime dominates the profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.1% of all reported crimes, with 193 incidents recorded, while property crimes constituted just 27.1% (124 cases). This stark imbalance between violent and property crime may partly explain the elevated overall rate compared to the UK average, where violent crime contributes 42% of the national total but is proportionally lower in Llanelli. The seasonal context of September—marking the return to school and university freshers—could influence patterns, with increased social activity in public spaces contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, reached 90 incidents, 34% above the UK average, suggesting pressures in community spaces. The data shows a consistent trend in Llanelli’s crime profile, with violent crime consistently outpacing property crime over recent months, a pattern that may reflect underlying social dynamics or environmental factors such as the town’s retail and nightlife presence. While property crime rates remain lower than the UK average for categories like burglary and vehicle crime, the concentration of violent crime raises questions about local policing priorities and community engagement strategies.

September 2023 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories, with theft from the person surging 500% compared to August, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This increase, though still small in absolute terms, underscores a sharp uptick in targeted personal crimes. Robbery also doubled, with 2 incidents reported, marking a 100% month-on-month rise. These spikes contrast sharply with declines in other areas, such as shoplifting, which fell by 46.3% (from 41 to 22 cases), and drugs-related offences, which dropped 72.7% (from 22 to 6). The violent crime dominance remains striking: violence and sexual offences (3.9 per 1,000) are 42% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000) is 34% above. This divergence from the national profile suggests Llanelli’s crime mix may be shaped by local factors such as the town’s proximity to Swansea and its role as a regional hub for nightlife and retail. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the 15 crimes reported daily on average, with violent incidents comprising over 40% of this figure. The drop in vehicle crime (79% below UK average) and burglary (38% below) indicates that property crime is less prevalent here than in many other areas, though the reasons for this remain unclear and warrant further analysis.

September 2023’s crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 marked a 14.5% decrease from August’s 10.9, reflecting a notable short-term decline. However, this reduction does not fully offset the broader trend of Llanelli’s rate remaining above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 15 crimes per day in September, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 108 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: while the absolute number of crimes may seem high, the distribution across the population is relatively manageable compared to more densely populated or economically disadvantaged areas. Population-scale analysis reveals that Llanelli’s 49,314 residents face a crime rate that, though elevated, is not extreme when viewed through the lens of national comparisons. The town’s performance on specific categories is mixed: violent crime remains significantly above the UK average, but property-related offences like burglary and vehicle crime are well below. This contrast may reflect Llanelli’s urban characteristics, where public spaces and community interactions drive higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, but the lower prevalence of property crime suggests effective security measures or fewer opportunities for such offences compared to other regions. The month-on-month decline offers a glimmer of progress, though the overall rate remains a concern for local authorities.