Aberystwyth Crime Rate

Crime in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a vibrant university town in Ceredigion, with an overall crime rate of 114.9 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 73/100. The town has experienced a significant 26.1% increase in crime year-over-year, a trend often associated with its large student population and active evening economy. Property crime in Aberystwyth stands at 31.3 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that while Aberystwyth is a safe place for most, the high concentration of activity in the town centre leads to more reported incidents, necessitating proactive security and personal safety awareness.

Crime Breakdown in Aberystwyth

In Aberystwyth, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 41.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by drug-related offences at 10.8% and anti-social behaviour at 9.8%. The high percentage of drug-related and social offences is typical for a university town with a vibrant nightlife and a large student population.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 31.3 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK national average of 32.9. Shoplifting and 'other theft' each account for 6.1% of total crime, while burglary stands at 2.8%. Vehicle crime is remarkably low at 1.1%. For residents, this means that while the overall risk of property crime is slightly below the national average, the presence of criminal damage (9.2%) and social disturbances are more significant concerns. Protecting homes and businesses from vandalism and opportunistic theft in busy areas should be a key safety priority.

Crime Trends in Aberystwyth

The crime trend in Aberystwyth is currently increasing, with a significant 26.1% rise in total incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime peaked in October at 12.0 per 1,000, followed by significant spikes in May (11.1) and March (10.9).

The lowest rate was recorded in February at 7.0 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that crime levels are influenced by the academic calendar and seasonal events. For residents and students, the 26.1% annual increase is a key indicator that community safety requires renewed focus and that proactive security measures are increasingly important to mitigate the rising risk.

How To Keep Safe in Aberystwyth

The most common crime type in Aberystwyth is violence and sexual offences, followed by drug-related offences. To maintain your safety in this university town, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in the town centre at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts or unlit alleys, especially near the seafront.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in busy student areas, and if you witness any anti-social behaviour or drug-related activity, report it to the local police.
3. Ensure your home or student accommodation is always securely locked, even when you are inside, to prevent opportunistic theft.
4. Given the rate of criminal damage, ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure, well-lit location and that no valuables are left inside.
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.

Crime Time Patterns in Aberystwyth

Crime in Aberystwyth follows a distinct daily rhythm influenced by its student population and evening economy. The morning and afternoon hours are the most active for theft-related offences (50% and 51% respectively), likely coinciding with retail hours and when residents are away.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. The evening period (6pm - 12am) sees the highest concentration of 'other' crimes, including drug offences and anti-social behaviour, which account for 60% of incidents during these hours. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the peak period for burglary (19%) and vehicle crime (13%). This suggests that while daytime security should focus on retail and home protection, overnight strategies must prioritise boundary monitoring and personal safety in the town centre.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Aberystwyth is the primary urban hub for Mid Wales. When compared to nearby settlements like Llanbadarn Fawr (77.4 per 1,000) or Penrhyn-coch (22.0 per 1,000), Aberystwyth has a higher crime rate due to its status as a major social and educational centre. Other nearby areas like Llangorwen and Bow Street report very low crime. For those considering the region, Aberystwyth offers a more active urban lifestyle with a crime profile that is typical for a university town, while the surrounding villages provide a much quieter, lower-crime alternative.

Proactive Protection for Aberystwyth Homes

With a property crime rate of 31.3 per 1,000 and a 26.1% increase in crime over the last year, Aberystwyth residents and students should consider more robust security. Traditional systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they record footage as a crime happens, which often does not stop an intruder from completing a break-in or causing damage. For real protection in a busy town, a proactive system like scOS is recommended.

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 town where criminal damage is a notable concern (9.2%), 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 an active urban environment.