Prestatyn Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Prestatyn's crime rate in June 2024 stood at 14.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 72% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This stark divergence reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's coastal location and seasonal shifts. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (25.8%) and criminal damage and arson (18.0%). These figures align with patterns observed in similar coastal towns, where increased foot traffic during summer months can contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The seasonal context of June—marking the beginning of the summer tourist season—likely plays a role in these trends, as visitor numbers typically rise in the area. However, the data also shows significant disparities within the crime profile: while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are dramatically above UK averages, other theft and burglary rates are lower. This contrast may reflect the town's relatively small population and lower density compared to major urban centres, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The overall crime rate, though elevated, is consistent with historical patterns in Prestatyn, where property crime and violent crime have shown seasonal fluctuations tied to tourism and local events.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in June 2024 was the 200% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, represents a significant departure from the previous month's figures and may indicate emerging local challenges or shifts in drug distribution patterns. Concurrently, bicycle theft and theft from the person each doubled, with one incident of bicycle theft reported for the first time this year. These increases could be linked to the influx of tourists and summer visitors, who may be more likely to leave valuables unattended in public spaces. By contrast, other theft decreased by 41.7% (from 12 to 7 incidents), and burglary fell by 25.0% (from 4 to 3). The reduction in violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences—by 10.8% (from 74 to 66) may reflect the seasonal timing of June, as the start of the summer holidays could reduce opportunities for such incidents. Anti-social behaviour remains 157% above the UK average, with 60 incidents reported. This category's persistence despite the overall rate's increase suggests a deeper, more entrenched issue within the community that may require targeted interventions. For residents, the sharp rise in drug-related crimes serves as a specific warning to remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly during late evenings when such incidents are more likely to occur.

June 2024 saw a 20.1% increase in Prestatyn's crime rate compared to May 2024, rising from 11.8 to 14.1 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, while modest in percentage terms, translates to a tangible increase in daily crime exposure: 8 crimes reported per day on average, compared to approximately 6.6 per day in May. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 71 residents, a figure that, while higher than the UK average, must be contextualised within the area's population size and geographic characteristics. Prestatyn's built-up area status, combined with its proximity to coastal tourism routes, likely contributes to this exposure, as the town serves as a gateway for visitors to the wider Denbighshire region. When scaled to the local population, the 14.1 per 1,000 rate means that for every 100 residents, approximately 1.4 crimes were reported—a figure that, while alarming, is not unprecedented for an area of its size. The comparison to the UK average also reveals stark disparities: anti-social behaviour, for instance, is 157% above the national average, highlighting the need for targeted local strategies. However, the lower rates of burglary and other theft compared to the UK average suggest that certain crime prevention measures, such as community policing or local initiatives, may be having a positive effect in specific areas of the town.