Aberystwyth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2024, Aberystwyth recorded 166 crimes, translating to a rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents—a figure that, for a town of 16,473 people, equates to one crime for every 99 residents over the course of the month. This rate is 31.2% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores Aberystwyth’s unique position as a coastal university town where transient populations and seasonal dynamics may influence crime patterns. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences (61 incidents, 36.8% of total), which stood 41% above the UK average. This aligns with the area’s character as a hub for higher education, where late-night social activity and freshers’ week can contribute to spikes in such offences. Drug-related crimes (22 incidents, 13.3% of total) were 442% above the UK average, a stark figure that may reflect the convergence of student populations and local drug networks. Anti-social behaviour (19 incidents) and public order offences (17 incidents) also exceeded UK averages, likely tied to the town’s vibrant social scene and the influx of new students adjusting to campus life. Seasonal factors, such as the return to academic routines and the draw of Aberystwyth’s coastal environment, may have amplified these trends, though the month-on-month decline from 12.0 per 1,000 in August suggests some stabilisation.

September 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Drug-related incidents rose by 37.5% (16 to 22), a sharp increase that may reflect heightened activity around university campuses during freshers’ week. Burglary also climbed by 50.0% (6 to 9), possibly linked to seasonal transitions as students return and homes become more vulnerable. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 45.5% (11 to 6), due to increased police presence or changes in retail footfall. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest category (36.8%), 41% above the UK average, while drugs—442% above the national average—highlighted a stark local disparity. Other theft, meanwhile, was 25% below the UK average, suggesting targeted efforts in that category may be yielding results. These shifts illustrate a combination of seasonal factors and local policing strategies.

Aberystwyth's crime rate in September 2024 (10.1 per 1,000) marked a 15.7% decrease from the previous month’s 12.0 per 1,000. This reduction, though modest, suggests a potential stabilisation in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, 6 crimes were reported across the 30-day period, a figure that may appear higher to residents but aligns with seasonal rhythms such as university freshers’ week. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 99 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the scale of incidents within the area’s population. This 1-in-99 ratio, while not immediately alarming, underscores the need for sustained community vigilance, particularly in areas frequented by students and visitors during peak times. When compared to the UK average, Aberystwyth’s rate remains elevated, but the month-on-month decline indicates that local efforts may be having a measurable impact.