Gwynedd Crime Rate

Gwynedd’s crime profile is marked by a 6.9% lower rate than the UK average, yet it faces elevated anti-social behaviour at 21% above the national benchmark. This duality highlights the area’s complex mix of rural tranquility and urban challenges, particularly in towns like Bangor and Porthmadog, where tourism and transient populations contribute to higher anti-social incidents.

Gwynedd, a Welsh local authority spanning both urban and rural landscapes, experiences a unique crime profile shaped by its geography and demographics. The area includes coastal towns like Porthmadog and Bangor, which attract tourism but also face challenges with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. In contrast, rural areas such as Bontnewydd and Dyffryn Ardudwy report significantly lower crime rates, likely due to lower population density and fewer opportunities for certain crimes. The mix of historic communities, educational institutions, and tourist hubs contributes to a complex crime pattern. For instance, anti-social behaviour is 21% above the UK average, possibly linked to the transient nature of tourist populations and the pressures of managing seasonal visitor influxes in coastal regions.

The most striking finding in Gwynedd’s crime breakdown is the 21% elevation in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, with 17.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This may stem from the area’s mix of tourist hotspots and local communities, where transient populations and seasonal events could contribute to disturbances. Criminal damage and arson are also 13% above the UK average (7.4 vs 6.6 per 1,000), tied to rural areas where vandalism or arson might be more prevalent due to isolation or lack of immediate oversight. Conversely, property crime in Gwynedd is 28.5% below the UK average, with burglary rates 41% lower (2.0 vs 3.3 per 1,000). This could reflect strong community engagement in areas like Bethel and Nefyn, where lower crime rates suggest effective local policing or social cohesion. Shoplifting, though 18% below the UK average, is rising by 21% YoY, due to increased retail activity in towns like Bangor.

Crime in Gwynedd has remained stable (-0.2% YoY) over the past 12 months, with the most notable exception being a 42% increase in robbery. This surge may be linked to specific incidents in August 2025, when the monthly rate peaked at 8.5 per 1,000, potentially influenced by tourism or seasonal events. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour has shown minimal change (-0.3% YoY), suggesting persistent challenges in managing disturbances, particularly in urban areas. The overall stability contrasts with the UK’s broader trends, where crime rates have seen more pronounced fluctuations.

Compared to nearby areas, Gwynedd is safer than Denbighshire (32% higher crime rate) and Isle of Anglesey (22% higher). However, it has an 11% higher rate than Flintshire, likely due to differences in population density and economic activity. Bangor, within Gwynedd, has a 91% higher crime rate than the Gwynedd average, reflecting the challenges of larger urban centres.

In Gwynedd, where anti-social behaviour is 21% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS’s AI-powered boundary monitoring can detect disturbances near properties, such as loitering or vandalism, and trigger automated lights and speakers to deter offenders. Its cloud storage captures 14 days of footage, aiding evidence collection for incidents like criminal damage or arson. A scOS Architect tailors the system to local patterns, such as peak anti-social behaviour in Bangor, ensuring tailored protection without false alarms.

How To Keep Safe in Gwynedd

Residents in Gwynedd should focus on addressing anti-social behaviour, which is 21% above the UK average. In areas like Bangor, where anti-social incidents are concentrated, consider reporting disturbances promptly through local community channels. For criminal damage and arson, which are 13% above average, secure outdoor spaces and avoid leaving valuables in visible areas. Given the rising robbery rate (+42% YoY), avoid carrying large sums of cash in high-traffic areas like Porthmadog during peak tourist seasons. Community engagement, such as participating in local anti-social behaviour initiatives, can also help maintain the area’s overall safety profile.