Aberystwyth Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 marked a significant shift in Aberystwyth's crime profile, with the overall rate of 7.0 crimes per 1,000 residents placing the area 4.5% above the UK average of 6.7. This rate, though relatively modest for a coastal town, reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 41.4% of all reported crimes, a stark contrast to the UK average of 23%. This disparity may be linked to Aberystwyth's status as a university town, where transient populations and late-night social activity could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Drugs-related offences, at 17.2% of all crimes, were 380% above the UK average, suggesting a concentrated issue that deserves closer attention. Criminal damage and arson, at 12.1%, also exceeded the UK rate by 88%, tied to the town's historic architecture and seasonal fluctuations in youth activity. The winter month context aligns with a pre-spring lull, with low outdoor activity likely reducing opportunities for certain crimes. However, the persistence of high drug-related offences may indicate broader challenges requiring targeted intervention.

February 2025 saw the most dramatic month-on-month change in burglary, which fell by 50.0% from 4 to 2 incidents. This steep decline, while welcome, contrasts with a 16.7% increase in shoplifting, raising questions about shifting criminal priorities. The property crime category as a whole fell to 31 incidents, a 38.5% drop from January's 50, reflecting a broader trend of reduced property-related offences. This shift may be partially explained by the seasonal context—February's low outdoor activity likely curtails opportunities for theft and burglary. Meanwhile, violent crimes remained high, with 48 incidents (41.4% of total) far exceeding the UK average for this category. The drugs category, at 20 incidents (17.2% of total), was 380% above the UK average, highlighting a significant localised issue. Anti-social behaviour. to 7 incidents, still accounted for 6.0% of all crimes, a figure 59% below the UK average. This suggests Aberystwyth's community policing efforts may be yielding results, though the persistent drug-related crime indicates a need for more focused strategies.

February's crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 33.7% decline from January's 10.6, a drop that translates to 14 fewer crimes in a single month. Daily crime statistics show an average of 4 incidents per day, a figure that, while lower than January, remains a concern for a town of 16,473 residents. Over the course of February, 1 crime was reported for every 142 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the need for sustained community engagement. This rate, though lower than the previous month, still places Aberystwyth above the UK average, albeit by a narrow margin. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the overall rate is relatively low compared to larger urban centres, the town's smaller size means even minor fluctuations have noticeable impacts. The 33.7% decrease from January is particularly significant given the typical seasonal patterns of a coastal town—February's colder weather and reduced tourism may have contributed to lower crime levels. However, the persistent elevation in drug-related offences suggests that localised factors, rather than broader seasonal trends, are driving some crime categories.