Ceredigion Crime Rate

About Ceredigion

Ceredigion reports an overall crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area boasts a safety score of 82 out of 100, exceeding the UK average safety score of 78/100, indicating a generally safer environment for its residents. However, recent trends show an increasing trajectory, with a 36.5% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed examination of crime statistics and trends within Ceredigion.

Ceredigion: Understanding the Context

Ceredigion, a largely rural county on the west coast of Wales, features a mix of market towns, coastal villages, and agricultural land. Its population of approximately 72,599 is spread across a diverse landscape, contributing to its unique crime statistics. The area's characteristics, including its relatively sparse population density outside of key towns like Aberystwyth and Cardigan, and its reliance on tourism, agriculture, and local businesses, play a role in shaping its crime profile.

While major employers are primarily in the public sector and education (e.g., Aberystwyth University), tourism, particularly along the coastline, brings a transient population during peak seasons. This influx can sometimes correlate with minor increases in certain crime types, such as theft or anti-social behaviour. The overall rural nature contributes to a lower general crime rate compared to more urbanised regions. Economic factors, such as local employment opportunities and community cohesion, also indirectly influence crime rates, fostering a sense of safety that is reflected in Ceredigion's higher-than-average safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Ceredigion

An analysis of crime types in Ceredigion reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 46.4% of total crimes with 2,444 incidents (33.7 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by Criminal damage and arson (9.7% of total crimes, 509 incidents or 7.0 per 1,000) and Anti-social behaviour (8.3% of total crimes, 437 incidents or 6.0 per 1,000). These three categories represent the most prevalent types of criminal activity in the area.

Regarding property-related crime, Ceredigion experiences a rate of 19.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences including burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. For residents and homeowners, the lower property crime rate suggests a comparatively reduced risk, though vigilance remains important, especially concerning specific types of theft and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Ceredigion

Ceredigion has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a significant 36.5% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate saw a dip towards the end of 2024, reaching 5.1 in December 2024, before rising again in January 2025 to 6.5. A notable increase was observed in May and July-August 2025, reaching 6.5 and 6.9 respectively. The trend data suggests an inconsistent but overall upward pattern, which residents should be aware of, particularly during months showing higher crime rates.

Comparing Ceredigion with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Ceredigion's crime statistics can be compared to several nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000 and a safety score of 82/100, Ceredigion generally presents a safer profile than many of its neighbours. For instance, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, as larger urban centres, typically exhibit higher crime rates. Powys and Gwynedd, being more rural, might offer closer comparisons in terms of overall crime, although specific crime types can vary. Carmarthenshire offers another similar regional context. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and prospective residents gauge Ceredigion's position within the broader regional safety landscape, highlighting its relatively strong safety score compared to many neighbouring areas, while acknowledging the recent increasing trend.

Protecting Your Home in Ceredigion

Given Ceredigion's property crime rate of 19.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is lower than the UK average, residents can still benefit significantly from robust home security measures. It is crucial to focus on proactive protection rather than simply recording incidents after they occur. Traditional CCTV systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, often only provide footage of a burglary, rather than preventing it. The goal should be to deter potential threats at your property boundary.

Consider security solutions that offer advanced, AI-powered proactive detection. Systems like scOS are designed to identify threats before a break-in, watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your routines to distinguish real threats from everyday activities. This approach means intervention can happen in real-time—lights can activate, and speakers can engage, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; a visible and professional-grade deterrence system can make them move on, providing a level of protection that goes beyond what DIY systems can offer.