Bangor Crime Rate

Bangor's crime rate of 157.8 per 1,000 residents is 73% higher than the UK average, making it one of the less safe areas in Wales. The town's elevated anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates stand out, while its robbery rate has surged by 240% YoY. These patterns contrast with the UK's broader trends, reflecting Bangor's unique urban and social dynamics.

Bangor is a historic town in Gwynedd, Wales, known for its university, coastal proximity, and mix of residential and commercial areas. Its urban character and student population contribute to higher anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates. The presence of retail centres and tourist attractions may also drive property crime, while the town's socioeconomic profile—marked by higher deprivation compared to rural neighbours—likely influences its elevated crime profile.

Bangor's most striking deviation from the UK average is its shoplifting rate, which is 148% higher than the national figure. This likely reflects the town's retail density and tourist footfall, which create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour is also notably elevated, with a 99% increase compared to the UK average, potentially linked to the university's student population and social dynamics in built-up areas. Violence and sexual offences, though falling slightly (-7% YoY), remain 70% above the UK average, possibly due to concentrated nightlife or social interactions in public spaces. The sharp 240% rise in robbery is puzzling, but may relate to isolated incidents or targeted activity during specific periods.

Bangor's crime rate has increased by 6.8% year-on-year, with robbery surging by 240% and anti-social behaviour rising by 20.3%. This contrasts with declines in other categories like other theft (-18.8% YoY) and violence and sexual offences (-7% YoY). The surge in robbery may reflect isolated spikes, while the overall rise likely stems from urban dynamics and social factors. January 2026 saw the highest monthly rate (14.9 per 1,000), possibly linked to holiday-related activity or seasonal patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Bangor

Avoid isolated areas at night, as burglary peaks between 6pm-12am. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as it is 99% above the UK average. In high-traffic retail zones, use personal security devices and avoid leaving valuables unattended, given the 148% higher shoplifting rate. Consider community safety initiatives and ensure homes have visible security features to deter opportunistic crimes.

Crime in Bangor peaks during the afternoon and evening, with theft accounting for 50% of incidents between 12pm-6pm and 20% in the evening. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (25% of night-time crimes), aligning with the town's commuter parking patterns. Burglary is most common between 6pm-12am, likely as homes are unoccupied. Other crimes dominate late-night hours (46% of night-time incidents), suggesting a link to alcohol-related or unattended property activity. These patterns reflect the interplay of retail hours, nightlife, and residential rhythms.

Bangor's crime rate is 96% higher than Menai Bridge and 222% higher than Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll, highlighting stark regional disparities. Llandegfan, with a crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000, is the safest of the compared areas, likely due to its smaller population and rural character. These differences underscore how urban density and economic factors influence crime profiles.

Home security in Bangor should focus on proactive measures given the 52.6% higher property crime rate than the UK average. scOS's AI-powered boundary detection can flag suspicious activity near homes, while multi-camera monitoring covers high-risk areas like retail zones where shoplifting is 148% above average. Its behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, making it ideal for areas with elevated anti-social behaviour.