Aberystwyth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Aberystwyth’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct imbalance between violent and property crime. With a total crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents—4.4% below the UK average—violent crimes dominate the landscape, accounting for 47.7% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences (51 cases) far exceed their UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour (14 cases) and criminal damage (11 cases) also show marked deviations from national trends. This mix suggests a focus on interpersonal conflict and community-level disruptions rather than property-focused crime. Seasonal context aligns with January’s typical patterns: post-holiday periods often see reduced retail activity, which may explain the 82% drop in shoplifting compared to the UK average. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences—up 54.5% from December—contrasts with the usual post-Christmas lull, hinting at potential shifts in local dynamics. The town’s coastal character, combined with its status as a university town, could contribute to this profile. While university holidays may reduce student populations, the persistent presence of transient residents or seasonal workers may sustain certain crime types. The overall rate, though slightly below the UK average, masks significant variations in specific categories, underscoring the need to examine both the volume and nature of incidents to understand local trends.

January 2026 saw stark fluctuations in Aberystwyth’s crime mix, with violence and sexual offences surging by 54.5% compared to December, reflecting a significant shift in the area’s crime profile. This increase, from 33 to 51 incidents, places violent crime at the forefront of local concerns, far exceeding the UK average for this category by 24%. Concurrently, anti-social behaviour rose sharply by 133.3%, jumping from six to 14 cases, a trend that may signal heightened tensions in community spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting plummeted by two-thirds, aligning with the seasonal context of reduced retail footfall. The drug-related crime rate in Aberystwyth was 114% above the UK average, with 10 incidents recorded—highlighting a persistent challenge in this category that demands targeted intervention. These shifts reveal a combination of local dynamics and broader patterns: while property crime remains relatively low (21 incidents overall), the surge in violent and anti-social crime suggests a need for community-focused strategies to address root causes. For residents, the 54.5% increase in violence and sexual offences is a concrete data point that underscores the urgency of addressing this specific category, which now constitutes nearly half of all reported crimes in the area.

Aberystwyth’s crime rate in January 2026 rose by 9.2% compared to the previous month, climbing from 6.0 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This upward movement, though modest, contrasts with the UK average of 6.8, placing the area slightly below the national benchmark. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately three crimes per day over the month—a figure that, while manageable, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in specific categories. Monthly exposure data shows that over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 154 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population. With Aberystwyth’s population at 16,473, this translates to a relatively high level of individual exposure compared to other areas with similar or lower crime rates. The comparison to the UK average is nuanced: while the overall rate is slightly lower, the disparity in specific crime types—such as the 114% above-average rate for drug-related offences—reveals a distinct local challenge. This contrast suggests that Aberystwyth’s crime profile is shaped by unique factors, such as its coastal location and educational institutions, which may influence the types of crime that dominate. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring local responses that address both the volume and nature of incidents.