Abergele Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Abergele's January 2026 crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents marked a 10.3% deficit compared to the UK average of 6.8, a figure that underscores the area's generally low crime profile. The most prominent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37% of all incidents (20 cases), though this rate (2.3 per 1,000) remained 8% below the UK average. Shoplifting, however, emerged as the most surprising trend, surging to 12 cases—a 500% increase from December—despite the post-holiday lull typically associated with January. This spike, which placed Abergele's rate at 1.4 per 1,000 (146% above the UK average), contrasts with the 66.7% drop in burglary cases, which fell to 1 from 3. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, reduced retail footfall, and colder weather—may have shifted criminal activity from outdoor spaces to retail environments. Criminal damage and arson (8 cases) and other theft (6 cases) also rose above UK averages by 88% and 52% respectively, suggesting a broader pattern of property-related offences. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, fell by 60%, aligning with typical seasonal trends in smaller communities where public gatherings are less frequent during winter. These dynamics illustrate the combination of local conditions and crime patterns, even in areas with otherwise low rates.

Shoplifting saw an extraordinary 500% increase in January 2026, rising from 2 to 12 incidents. This surge, which placed Abergele's rate at 1.4 per 1,000 residents—146% above the UK average—contrasts sharply with the 66.7% drop in burglary cases. The shift in crime mix is striking: while violent crime accounted for 37% of total incidents, property crimes (27) now dominate the profile, reflecting a significant imbalance compared to the UK's broader distribution. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 60%, from 10 to 4 cases, a decline consistent with reduced public gatherings during colder months. Other thefts doubled, with 6 incidents recorded—a 52% increase over the UK average. These fluctuations suggest that local factors, such as retail business hours or seasonal shopping patterns, may be influencing criminal activity in ways that diverge from national trends.

Abergele's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 20.6% compared to December 2025, dropping from 7.7 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical post-holiday patterns, where reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may suppress certain crime types. Locally, 2 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a community of 8,867 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a ratio that places Abergele among the safer built-up areas in the UK. This monthly exposure metric, while not directly comparable to national figures, highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in a small coastal town. The drop in burglary rates (-66.7%) and anti-social behaviour (-60%) suggests seasonal factors, such as colder weather deterring outdoor activity, may have played a role. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting (+500%) indicates a shift in criminal focus that deserves closer attention to local retail security measures.