Denbighshire Crime Rate

About Denbighshire

Denbighshire experiences an overall crime rate of 113.6 per 1,000 people per year, placing it above the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a safety score of 73 out of 100, which is a positive indicator of community safety, though slightly below the UK average safety score of 78/100. Over the past year, crime rates in Denbighshire have remained stable, showing a minor decrease of 2.2%. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime statistics and trends across the local authority.

Understanding Crime in Denbighshire

Denbighshire, with a population of 98,202, presents a diverse landscape that contributes to its crime statistics. The area encompasses both bustling coastal towns like Rhyl and Prestatyn, as well as quieter market towns such as Denbigh and Ruthin, alongside extensive rural stretches. This mix influences crime patterns, with urban centres often experiencing higher rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting due to population density, commercial activity, and nightlife, particularly in tourist-heavy coastal regions.

Agricultural and rural areas typically see lower overall crime but can be vulnerable to specific types of offences, such as rural crime or opportunistic burglaries. Major transport hubs and tourist attractions, especially during peak seasons, can lead to a more transient population, which may correlate with an increase in certain crime types like theft. While specific economic factors are not detailed, broader socio-economic conditions within different parts of Denbighshire can also play a role in influencing crime rates, creating a complex picture for the local authority as a whole.

Crime Type Analysis in Denbighshire

An analysis of crime types in Denbighshire reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 43.2% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 49.1 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue, making up 18.5% of incidents (21.1 per 1,000), while shoplifting is the third highest at 8.3% (9.5 per 1,000). These figures highlight public order and personal safety as key concerns within the area.

Looking at property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, robbery, and theft from the person, Denbighshire records a rate of 30.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that while residents should remain vigilant, the risk of property crime is comparatively lower than many other areas. For homeowners and residents, understanding these predominant crime types can help inform personal and property security measures.

Crime Trends in Denbighshire

Denbighshire has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. This indicates that the overall crime situation has not significantly worsened or improved in the past twelve months. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 people reveals some fluctuations: rates were notably lower in December 2024 (8.3), January 2025 (8.4), and February 2025 (7.8), suggesting a seasonal dip. Conversely, higher rates were observed in October 2024 (10.8), March 2025 (10.4), July 2025 (10.3), and August 2025 (10.7). These patterns suggest that crime activity can vary throughout the year, with potential increases during warmer months or periods of higher social activity. For residents, a stable trend means that the general level of risk has not drastically changed, but awareness of monthly variations can still be beneficial.

Crime in Neighbouring Areas

Understanding Denbighshire's crime statistics benefits from comparison with its neighbouring local authorities. Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy, and Gwynedd are all adjacent Welsh areas, each with their own unique crime profiles. Across the border, Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester offer a broader regional context. While specific crime rates vary between these areas, Denbighshire's overall crime rate of 113.6 per 1,000 and safety score of 73/100 provide a benchmark. For instance, some urbanised neighbouring areas might exhibit higher overall crime rates due to population density or specific socio-economic factors, whereas more rural counterparts could show lower figures. This regional overview helps residents and prospective movers assess Denbighshire's safety within its broader geographical context.

Protecting Your Home in Denbighshire

Given Denbighshire's property crime rate of 30.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the national average, proactive home security remains a sensible consideration for all residents. While traditional security measures often focus on recording incidents after they occur, a modern approach prioritises prevention. Consider moving beyond systems that merely provide footage of a burglary, towards solutions designed to deter criminals before they can even gain entry.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advancement in property protection. These systems are engineered for proactive defence, detecting threats at your property boundary rather than after a break-in has happened. Features such as multi-camera intelligence, which watches all cameras simultaneously, and pattern learning, which distinguishes between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, ensure that alerts are only for real dangers. For property owners, investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less attractive target. The right security system can make that crucial 60-second decision for a potential burglar an easy one: they move on.