Bangor Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Bangor's crime rate stood at 14.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 81.2% above the UK average of 8.0. This translates to a daily risk of 8 crimes reported in the built-up area, with 1 in every 69 residents experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. The profile of crime in Bangor this month was dominated by violence and sexual offences (36% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and shoplifting (10.7%). These figures are particularly striking when compared to national averages, with violence and sexual offences in Bangor being 90% above the UK rate and anti-social behaviour 116% above. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of university students, freshers' week, and the transition to darker evenings—likely contributes to the elevated levels of violent and anti-social crime. The high rate of shoplifting, at 1.6 per 1,000 residents, may reflect increased foot traffic in retail areas during the back-to-school period. While property crime (including burglary and vehicle crime) accounted for 28.1% of total crimes, these categories were comparatively lower than the UK average for vehicle crime (Bangor's rate was 58% below the national average). The interplay of seasonal transitions, student populations, and the character of Bangor as a university town with a vibrant retail and social scene appears to shape the local crime profile in ways distinct from broader UK trends.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in Bangor's crime profile, with bicycle theft increasing by 100% (from 1 to 2 incidents) and other theft rising by 78.6% (from 14 to 25). These increases may reflect the return of university students, who often cycle in the area, and the heightened activity in retail zones during the back-to-school period. Conversely, crimes related to drugs dropped by 70% (from 10 to 3), and vehicle crime fell by 62.5% (from 8 to 3), suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity or improved security measures in key locations. Violence and sexual offences remained the most significant concern, with their rate (5.2 per 1,000) being 90% above the UK average. This category alone accounted for nearly 36% of all crimes reported, a figure that would be of particular interest to residents and local authorities. The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour (20.3% of all crimes) and public order offences (9.9%) further underscores the challenges posed by the social dynamics of a university town during the freshers' period. Residents may find it useful to note that shoplifting, at 1.6 per 1,000, was 186% above the UK average, indicating a need for continued vigilance in retail areas.

Bangor's crime rate in September 2023 (14.5 per 1,000) marked a 4.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 15.2, suggesting a slight moderation in criminal activity. However, this remains significantly higher than the UK average, with Bangor's rate nearly double the national figure. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than the per-1,000 statistic. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 69 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is 81.2% above the UK average. This disparity highlights the unique challenges faced by Bangor, a built-up area within Gwynedd, which may have a different demographic and geographic profile compared to the broader UK. The population of 16,674 residents means that each individual is statistically more likely to be affected by crime than the average UK resident. While the slight month-on-month decline is a positive sign, the overall rate remains well above national benchmarks, indicating a need for sustained attention to local crime prevention strategies. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the importance of context: a 14.5 per 1,000 rate in Bangor is equivalent to a 1 in 69 chance of being a victim of crime over a month, a figure that is not easily comparable to other areas with different population densities or social structures.