Ceredigion Crime Rate

Crime in Ceredigion

Ceredigion is a safe and secure county in Mid Wales, with an overall crime rate of 71.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 82/100. While the area has seen a 30.0% increase in crime year-over-year, it remains one of the safer regions in Wales. Property crime in Ceredigion stands at 19.2 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. These statistics indicate that residents enjoy a high level of safety, though the recent upward trend in crime suggests that proactive security measures are becoming increasingly important for local homeowners and businesses.

About Ceredigion

Ceredigion is a predominantly rural and coastal county in Mid Wales, known for its stunning coastline, the Cambrian Mountains, and the university town of Aberystwyth. The area is characterised by a mix of traditional agricultural communities, a vibrant student population, and a growing tourism sector. The local economy relies heavily on the public sector, education, and tourism, which brings a significant influx of visitors during the summer months.

The county has a relatively low population density, which contributes to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. However, the presence of a major university in Aberystwyth introduces a large transient student population, which influences the crime profile, particularly in terms of anti-social behaviour and drug-related offences. Ceredigion's geography, with its isolated rural settlements and coastal towns, means that crime is often concentrated in the main urban hubs, while the vast rural areas remain very safe. Transport links like the A487 and A44 are the main arteries for the county, connecting its diverse communities but also serving as corridors for opportunistic crime.

Crime Breakdown in Ceredigion

In Ceredigion, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 46.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.9% and anti-social behaviour at 8.3%. These figures suggest that personal disputes and community conduct are the primary areas of concern for local residents.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 32.9, making Ceredigion relatively safe for property owners. 'Other theft' accounts for 6.8% of total crime, while burglary stands at 3.1%. Vehicle crime is remarkably low at 1.3%. For residents, this means that while the overall risk to property is low, criminal damage (9.9%) is a more significant concern. Protecting homes and businesses from vandalism and opportunistic theft in public spaces should be a key safety priority.

Crime Trends in Ceredigion

The crime trend in Ceredigion is currently increasing, with a significant 30.0% rise in total incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in July and August, both recording around 6.9 per 1,000, which often coincides with the peak tourist season.

The lowest point in the year was recorded in February at 4.9 per 1,000. Following the summer peak, the crime rate showed a downward trend into September (5.1) before rising again to 6.1 in October. While the overall year-on-year trend is upward, the current crime rate remains well below the national average. However, the 30.0% annual increase is a key indicator that community safety requires renewed focus and that proactive security measures are increasingly important.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Ceredigion is situated in a region of Wales with varying crime profiles. When compared to nearby Powys and Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion has a slightly higher crime rate, though it remains much safer than larger urban centres like Swansea or Merthyr Tydfil. The county's mix of rural and coastal environments generally results in lower crime concentrations than these more densely populated areas. For those looking for a residential location in Wales, Ceredigion offers a secure environment with a lower statistical exposure to crime than the major cities, though its recent 30.0% rise in crime is a factor to consider compared to its more stable neighbours.

Proactive Protection for Ceredigion Homes

With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 and a 30.0% increase in crime over the last year, Ceredigion residents should consider the benefits of advanced security. In a region with many rural and coastal properties, traditional systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive; they record footage as a crime happens, which does not prevent the incident. For real protection, a proactive system like scOS is the modern standard.

scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries, detecting potential threats before an intruder reaches your home. Its multi-camera intelligence identifies suspicious patterns and can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or audible deterrents, destroying the element of surprise. In a county where criminal damage is a notable concern (9.9%), the ability to prevent an incident before it occurs is far more valuable than simply having evidence after the fact. Professional-grade AI protection ensures your home remains a hard target in a changing crime landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Ceredigion

The most common crime type in Ceredigion is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage. To maintain your safety in this Welsh county, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in town centres like Aberystwyth during the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts or unlit alleys.
2. Given the rate of criminal damage (9.9%), ensure your property and vehicle are parked in secure, well-lit locations to deter vandalism.
3. Be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist and student areas, and if you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police.
4. Ensure your home is always securely locked, even when you are nearby, to prevent opportunistic theft which can occur in both urban and rural settings.
5. If you are out alone in the evening, let someone know your plans and consider using a personal safety app to share your location with trusted contacts.