Aberystwyth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Aberystwyth, covering January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a concerning trend. With a crime rate of 108.6 per 1,000 residents, the area experiences a higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This represents an increase in reported incidents. While the overall safety score stands at 74 out of 100, falling short of the UK average of 79, it's important to understand the specific types of crime contributing to this figure. The data highlights a need for ongoing assessment and targeted preventative measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Aberystwyth's residents.

Aberystwyth's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and Sexual Offences leading the way at 738 incidents, representing 41.2% of all recorded crime. Drugs offences follow closely with 181 incidents, accounting for 10.1%. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant issue, with 173 reported incidents (9.7%). Public order offences and criminal damage and arson each contribute 8.8% of the overall crime picture. While shoplifting, other theft, and burglary contribute to the total, they represent smaller proportions. The relatively low number of burglaries (46) suggests a focus on other forms of crime within the area. The distribution of these crimes across Aberystwyth reflects the interplay of factors common to many built-up areas, including population density, social demographics, and the vibrancy of the town’s activities.

Crime rates in Aberystwyth have been steadily increasing, rising by a significant 16.8% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows fluctuating levels of reported crime. While February saw a relative lull (7.0 per 1,000), months like May (11.1 per 1,000) and October (12.0 per 1,000) exhibited particularly high levels of reported incidents. The December 2025 data shows a dip to 6.0 per 1,000, but this may be a temporary fluctuation. This upward trend underscores the need for proactive crime prevention strategies and increased community engagement to address the root causes of the rising crime rate.

How To Keep Safe in Aberystwyth

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone at night. Consider travelling in groups and sticking to well-lit, populated routes. With drugs offences also being a significant concern, avoid areas known for drug-related activity. Anti-social behaviour is also a common issue, so report any incidents you witness to the authorities. Secure your belongings when out shopping to mitigate the risk of theft. Finally, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to connect with your community and share safety information.

Crime in Aberystwyth exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for a significant portion of incidents, particularly those involving vehicles. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a continuation of theft, alongside a notable proportion of burglaries. The evening (6pm-12am) presents a shift, with a rise in vehicle crime and a considerable amount of reported crime occurring in the ‘other’ category. Finally, overnight (12am-6am), burglaries peak, alongside a concerning rise in vehicle crime and a larger proportion of ‘other’ crimes, indicating potential vulnerabilities during these hours.

When comparing Aberystwyth's crime rate to its neighbours, the picture becomes clearer. Llanbadarn Fawr, with a rate of 79.1 per 1,000, demonstrates a significantly lower crime rate. Conversely, Penrhyn-coch experiences a rate of 22.5 per 1,000, still lower than Aberystwyth. The stark contrast with areas like Llangorwen and Bow Street, both recording zero crime, underscores the unique challenges Aberystwyth faces and highlights the importance of targeted interventions.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they've occurred, providing evidence for investigations but doing little to prevent the crime itself. Reading crime statistics is one thing. Actually stopping threats at your property line is another. Systems like scOS offer a proactive approach, using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary – before a break-in can even begin. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors all angles simultaneously, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly identifies suspicious vehicles. The system learns your family’s routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, creating an element of surprise for potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS signals a serious level of protection, often deterring criminals before they even attempt a crime – most burglars decide within 60 seconds. While DIY security systems have their place, a professional-grade solution like scOS provides a demonstrably higher level of protection.