Rhyl Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rhyl's crime profile in January 2026 presented a stark contrast to the UK average, with a crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000 residents—170.6% above the national figure of 6.8. This marked disparity underscores the area's unique challenges, particularly in violent crime, which accounted for 44.3% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime breakdown, with 216 cases reported, far exceeding the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This category's 228% above-average rate highlights the urgency of addressing issues in public spaces and community safety. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.6% of total crimes, with 76 incidents reported—212% above the UK average. The seasonal context of January, with shorter days and post-holiday dynamics, may have contributed to these trends, though the persistent high levels of violent crime suggest deeper structural factors. Shoplifting, at 10.3% of total crimes, also showed significant deviation, with 50 cases reported—233% above the UK average. This pattern aligns with Rhyl's status as a built-up area within Denbighshire, where high foot traffic in retail zones may drive such offences. The data reveals a combination of local factors, including the town's proximity to coastal tourism areas and its role as a regional hub, which may influence crime patterns. While the post-holiday period typically sees reduced retail activity, the continued prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour indicates a need for sustained community engagement and targeted policing strategies.

January 2026 saw a 52.4% increase in public order offences, rising from 21 to 32 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 46.4% rise in criminal damage and arson, points to heightened tensions in public spaces. Conversely, burglary decreased by 37.5% (from 8 to 5 cases), a drop that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal factors. Drug-related crimes fell by 47.8%, a significant decline that could indicate the success of recent enforcement efforts or shifts in local drug markets. The most alarming statistic is the 228% above UK average rate for violence and sexual offences, with 216 incidents reported in the month. This category alone accounts for 44.3% of all crimes in Rhyl, far exceeding the national benchmark of 2.5 per 1,000. For residents, the 16 crimes reported daily serve as a stark reminder of the area's ongoing security challenges, particularly in addressing violent crime which remains high compared to the rest of the UK.

Rhyl's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 19.0% compared to December 2025, increasing from 15.5 to 18.4 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend aligns with the area's persistent challenges in managing violent and anti-social incidents. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 16 reported crimes each day in January, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity despite seasonal factors. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 54 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population. This monthly exposure rate highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly given the disproportionate rise in violent crime relative to the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Rhyl's crime burden is significantly higher than the national average, with 18.4 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to 6.8 in the UK. While some categories like vehicle crime and burglary showed slight declines, the overall trajectory remains concerning for local authorities and residents.