Rural Denbighshire Crime Rate

Rural Denbighshire offers a high standard of safety, with an overall crime rate of 65.4 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 84/100, which is well above the UK benchmark of 78. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, showing a minor 1.4% decrease year-over-year. These figures reflect a region that is consistently safer than its urban counterparts, providing a secure and peaceful environment for its residents across its small villages and open countryside. Detailed analysis of local crime types and time patterns follows to help you understand the specific safety profile of Rural Denbighshire.

In Rural Denbighshire, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types, accounting for 47.7% of all reports at a rate of 31.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common (16.1%), followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.7%. Property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 16.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, making the rural parts of the district a relatively safe haven for property owners. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are the most prevalent. Burglary occurs at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000, while vehicle crime is also low at 1.0 per 1,000. For residents, these statistics suggest a very secure environment where property-related crimes are much less frequent than in urban areas.

The crime trend in Rural Denbighshire is currently stable, with a minor 1.4% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating slightly, with rates typically ranging between 4.4 and 6.6 per 1,000 residents. A peak was observed in November 2024 at 6.6, followed by a dip to 4.4 in January and March 2025. The rate rose again to 6.4 in May before settling back to around 5.7 by October. This stability indicates that the safety environment in Rural Denbighshire remains consistent and predictable.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Denbighshire

Violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most common crimes in Rural Denbighshire. To stay safe in the area, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Secure Your Perimeter: With property crime most likely at night, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that your boundaries are clearly defined to discourage intruders.
2. Rural Vigilance: For those in more isolated areas, consider joining a rural watch scheme and ensure outbuildings and agricultural equipment are properly locked and alarmed.
3. Deter Anti-Social Behaviour: Use proactive security measures to monitor your property's perimeter. Motion-activated lighting is a strong deterrent for nuisance behaviour.
4. Vehicle Safety: Always lock your car and remove all valuables. Even in safe rural areas, opportunistic theft can occur, especially in quiet car parks near local attractions.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice unusual vehicles or behaviour in your neighbourhood, report it to the police to help them track potential trends in rural crime.

Crime in Rural Denbighshire follows a pattern typical of lower-density areas. Morning and afternoon hours see a focus on theft-related offences, accounting for 50% and 52% of crimes in those periods respectively. As evening approaches, the profile shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 60% of evening and 51% of night-time incidents. Crucially, night-time (12am-6am) sees the highest proportion of burglaries (21%) and vehicle crimes (15%), highlighting that even in rural areas, properties are most vulnerable during the early hours.

Within the local authority area, Rural Denbighshire is a significantly safer alternative to the busier urban settlements. Its crime rate of 65.4 per 1,000 is much lower than Rhyl (198.5), Prestatyn (97.0), and Denbigh (89.9). For those seeking a secure and quiet lifestyle in North Wales, Rural Denbighshire provides one of the most stable and low-risk environments in the region, comparing very favourably to both local and national averages.

With a property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000 residents, Rural Denbighshire is a low-crime area, but the isolated nature of many homes means that security is still a vital consideration. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a theft or break-in has occurred. In rural locations, where help may be further away, a proactive approach is much more effective. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder before they reach your home and respond autonomously by activating lights or speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and can prevent a crime before it happens. For Rural Denbighshire residents, where burglary and vehicle crime are most likely at night, a proactive system like scOS offers a superior level of deterrence and peace of mind.