Aberystwyth Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Aberystwyth's crime rate in October 2023 reached 11.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 47.5% above the UK average of 8.0. This stark divergence from the national figure highlights a localised challenge, though seasonal factors may partly explain the pattern. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 52.1% of all reported incidents (101 cases), a rate of 6.1 per 1,000—126% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage followed, with both categories also exceeding national benchmarks. The month's darker evenings and Halloween festivities may have contributed to increased incidents. The area's built-up character—home to a university and tourist attractions—likely interacts with seasonal rhythms to shape crime patterns. While violence and anti-social behaviour dominate, property crimes remained relatively low (37 cases), with burglary at 0.1 per 1,000—71% below the UK average. This contrast suggests that the local environment, shaped by transient populations or community policing efforts, may mitigate certain crime types. The data underscores a need to address violent crime while maintaining vigilance against emerging trends, such as the unexpected rise in drugs-related offences, which will be explored in the highlights section.

October 2023 saw a 150% surge in drugs-related offences, jumping from 6 to 15 cases—a dramatic increase with no clear precedent in the data. This spike, combined with a 100% rise in bicycle theft (from 0 to 1 case), suggests shifting patterns in illicit activity. In contrast, 'other crime' fell by 80% (from 5 to 1 cases), and theft from the person dropped by 50%, indicating potential successes in targeted interventions or changes in offender behaviour. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—126% above the UK average—raises questions about local factors, such as the area's university presence or seasonal social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 17% compared to the UK average, though the category itself decreased by 41.9% from September, reflecting a combination of short-term and long-term trends. These figures highlight the need for nuanced strategies: while property crimes remain relatively low, the sharp rise in drugs-related incidents may signal new challenges requiring focused action. Residents may find the 52.1% share of violent crime particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for community-based solutions to address this dominant category.

Aberystwyth's crime rate in October 2023 (11.8 per 1,000) marked a 3.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 11.4, reflecting a gradual upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 6 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while locally contextual, illustrates the persistent nature of criminal activity. When scaled to the population of 16,473, this equates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 85 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the local population. This rate is higher than the UK average, which sits at 8.0 per 1,000, though some categories, such as shoplifting and burglary, remain below national benchmarks. The contrast between Aberystwyth's elevated violent crime rates and its relatively low property crime rates may reflect the area's unique demographic profile, potentially influenced by its status as a university town and tourist destination. While the 3.2% month-on-month increase appears modest, it aligns with broader seasonal patterns, such as the transition to darker evenings and the timing of Halloween, which may contribute to increased social interactions and associated risks. These comparisons highlight both the local challenges and the need for targeted strategies to address the most pressing crime types.