Gwynedd Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Gwynedd

Gwynedd reports an overall crime rate of 85.8 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a safer environment compared to the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a commendable safety score of 80 out of 100, notably higher than the UK average of 78. Property crime in Gwynedd stands at 22.9 per 1,000 people, which is also below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the last year, crime rates in Gwynedd have remained stable, with a modest 2.5% change year-over-year. This stability provides a consistent picture of local safety, offering residents and visitors a clear understanding of the region's crime landscape.

About Gwynedd

Gwynedd is a largely rural and coastal local authority district in North Wales, characterised by its stunning natural landscapes, including Snowdonia National Park, and a dispersed population. Its economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and public services, with fewer large industrial or commercial centres. The population of 120,813 is spread across numerous towns, villages, and remote areas. The presence of popular tourist destinations, particularly during peak seasons, can lead to a transient population, potentially influencing certain crime types like theft or anti-social behaviour in specific hotspots. However, the overall rural nature and strong community ties in many areas contribute to a generally lower crime rate than more urbanised regions. The area's demographics, with a significant proportion of Welsh speakers and a strong sense of local identity, also play a role in shaping social dynamics and community safety.

Gwynedd Crime Type Analysis

An examination of crime types in Gwynedd reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 39.8% of all reported crimes with a rate of 34.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 20.9% of the total at 17.9 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson constitute the third highest category, representing 8.7% of crimes with a rate of 7.5 per 1,000.

Looking at property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Gwynedd reports a combined rate of 22.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 1.9 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.4 per 1,000, and other theft at 5.3 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a comparatively lower risk of direct property-related offences. While the overall property crime rate is reassuring, vigilance against common issues like criminal damage and other theft remains advisable to protect personal belongings and property.

Crime Trends in Gwynedd

Gwynedd has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minimal 2.5% change year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of reported incidents rather than a significant rise or fall. Analysing the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate saw a dip towards the end of 2024, decreasing from 8.2 in October to 6.5 in December, and further to 5.7 in January 2025. Following this, there was a gradual increase, peaking at 8.5 in August 2025, before falling again to 6.5 in September 2025. This fluctuation suggests seasonal variations, possibly linked to tourism, with higher rates observed during the summer months. For residents, this stable trend means that the overall safety landscape has not dramatically shifted, but awareness of potential seasonal increases in activity could be beneficial.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Gwynedd's crime statistics offer a favourable comparison to its neighbouring local authority districts. With an overall crime rate of 85.8 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 80/100, Gwynedd generally performs better than or on par with many surrounding areas. For instance, while specific data for Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham would offer a direct comparison, Gwynedd's figures suggest a relatively secure environment within the region. The Isle of Anglesey and Powys also share similar rural and coastal characteristics, and Gwynedd's strong safety score positions it as a comparably safe place to live. This regional context highlights Gwynedd as an area where residents can generally feel secure, especially when considering the broader North Wales landscape.

Protecting Your Property in Gwynedd

Given Gwynedd's property crime rate of 22.9 per 1,000, which is lower than the national average, proactive home security measures are a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems merely record incidents after they occur, the focus should shift towards preventing crime. Consider solutions that offer proactive protection, stopping threats before they escalate into a burglary or vehicle crime.

Modern AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at the property boundary, rather than after an intruder has gained access. Unlike reactive systems that only alert you after the fact, a proactive system can intervene in real-time. This might involve multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, or autonomous responses such as activating lights and engaging speakers to deter potential intruders. The goal is to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. With most burglars making a decision within 60 seconds, visible and professional-grade deterrence can make them move on to an easier target. This approach prioritises prevention, offering a significant advantage over systems that simply provide footage of a crime already committed.