Aberystwyth Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Aberystwyth's crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents in December 2023 places the area 13.9% above the UK average, a gap that underscores the unique dynamics of this coastal built-up area. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 51.9% of all reported incidents—a figure that is 64% higher than the UK average for this category. This stark contrast may be attributed to the town’s mix of student populations, transient visitors, and the social pressures of a small community during the festive season. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also featured prominently, with the former contributing 11.1% of all crimes. These categories are often amplified in areas with high foot traffic and social events, which Aberystwyth experiences during the holiday period. The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended darkness, Christmas shopping peaks, and the temporary absence of some residents—likely contributed to the higher rates of violence and public disorder. While property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime remained below the UK average, the overall imbalance between violent and property crime highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and retail activity. This data illustrates a community grappling with the dual challenges of seasonal crime spikes and the persistent overrepresentation of violent offences compared to national trends.

December 2023 saw a stark 400% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from one to five incidents—a spike that may partly reflect heightened tensions during the festive season or increased police visibility. Public order offences also rose by 11.1%, potentially linked to late-night gatherings and the challenges of enforcing noise regulations in a built-up coastal area. Conversely, burglary rates fell sharply by two-thirds, likely due to fewer homes being occupied during the Christmas holidays. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 51.9% of all crimes, remain 64% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect Aberystwyth’s status as a university town with transient populations. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped 78% below the UK average, due to reduced car usage during the winter months or enhanced security measures at local car parks. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local demographics in shaping crime patterns.

Aberystwyth's December 2023 crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents marks a 17.1% decrease from the previous month's 9.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as festive closures and reduced foot traffic may temporarily suppress certain offences. Locally, the average resident faced a 1-in-122 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises risk within the area’s population of 16,473. Daily crime statistics show approximately four reported incidents each day, a rate that, while consistent with prior months, contrasts with the UK average when viewed through a longer-term lens. The drop in burglary (-66.7%) and criminal damage and arson (-50%) suggests that empty homes during the holiday period—common in coastal towns—may have been less vulnerable to targeted crimes than in months with more consistent occupancy. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, provides a tangible benchmark for residents assessing their personal risk profile.