Prestatyn Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a town of 16,513 residents, Prestatyn reported 121 crimes in January 2024, translating to a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 people. This rate is 1.4% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively stable position compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.5% of all reported incidents (43 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.1%, 28 cases) and criminal damage and arson (11.6%, 14 cases). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail activity—may have influenced the distribution of crimes, with fewer outdoor incidents typically reported during this time. Violent crime rates aligned closely with the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage both exceeded UK norms by significant margins. These patterns suggest a mix of persistent local challenges and seasonal influences, though the overall rate remains slightly below national benchmarks. The town’s coastal location and smaller population size may contribute to differences in crime dynamics compared to larger urban areas, where higher population density often correlates with elevated crime rates. However, the relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000, 44% below UK average) indicates that property-related crimes are not a major concern in Prestatyn, due to strong community policing efforts or lower residential footfall during winter months.

January 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with some categories rising sharply while others declined. Other crime increased by 200% compared to December, jumping from one to three incidents, a change that may reflect underreporting in previous months or emerging local issues. Similarly, other theft rose by 60% (5 to 8 cases), potentially linked to increased retail activity during the holiday season or targeted thefts in specific areas. Conversely, burglary fell by 50% (from six to three cases), due to heightened security measures or seasonal factors reducing opportunities for such crimes. Possession of weapons also increased by 33.3% (3 to 4 cases), a figure that exceeds the UK average by 186% and raises concerns about local safety. Anti-social behaviour, which was 72% above the UK average, highlights a persistent challenge in the area, though this category remained stable compared to December. The sharp decline in drug-related crimes (50% drop, from two to one case) may indicate successful interventions or reduced demand during the post-holiday period. These fluctuations underscore the need for continued monitoring, as certain categories—like anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons—remain significantly above national averages and may require targeted community engagement or policing strategies.

The crime rate in Prestatyn fell by 9.6% from 8.1 per 1,000 in December 2023 to 7.3 per 1,000 in January 2024, marking a modest but notable decline. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately four crimes reported each day in the built-up area, a figure that provides residents with a tangible sense of the local crime profile. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 136 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is comparable to other small towns in the UK but highlights the importance of context when interpreting such statistics. Given Prestatyn’s population of 16,513, the 121 total crimes represent a manageable proportion of the local population, though the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggest areas for improvement. The decline in burglary and drug-related crimes may reflect seasonal patterns, with reduced foot traffic during winter months limiting opportunities for such offences. However, the persistent overperformance in categories like anti-social behaviour—72% above the UK average—indicates that specific local factors, such as community dynamics or enforcement challenges, may be contributing to these trends. Residents should consider these figures alongside broader contextual elements, such as the town’s coastal location and smaller population, which can influence crime patterns differently compared to larger urban centres.