Barmouth Crime Rate

Crime in Barmouth

Barmouth is a safe and popular coastal town with a crime rate that reflects its residential and tourist nature. The overall crime rate stands at 39.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This has earned Barmouth a high safety score of 91/100, making it a secure choice for residents and visitors alike. The recent crime trend is classified as increasing, with a 7.9% rise year-over-year, though the total volume of crime remains low. Property crime is particularly low at 10.5 per 1,000 people—well below the UK average of 32.9. As a seaside resort, Barmouth experiences seasonal fluctuations in activity, but it remains a consistently safe environment throughout the year.

Crime Breakdown in Barmouth

Barmouth is a safe seaside town where the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.8% of all reports (113 incidents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 20.5%, followed by shoplifting at 8.1%. As a popular holiday destination, these figures are often influenced by the high number of seasonal visitors.

Property crime in Barmouth is low, with a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly better than the UK average of 32.9. This includes shoplifting, other theft (7.0%), and burglary (2.7%). Vehicle crime and bicycle theft are rare, each accounting for less than 1% of total reports. For residents, this suggests a very secure environment for physical property, though the prevalence of shoplifting and theft highlights a need for vigilance in commercial areas. Burglary remains uncommon, but with criminal damage accounting for 7.4% of crimes, perimeter security and visible deterrents are still valuable for homeowners.

Crime Trends in Barmouth

The crime trend in Barmouth is currently increasing, with a 7.9% rise in reports year-over-year. Monthly data shows a clear seasonal pattern, with crime rates peaking during the spring and early summer. The highest rate was recorded in June 2025 at 5.3 per 1,000 people, followed by March at 4.4.

The lowest rate was observed in January 2025 (1.8), a typical seasonal low for a coastal resort. Throughout the late summer and autumn, the rate remained relatively stable, averaging around 3.0 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that crime in Barmouth is closely linked to the influx of visitors during the peak holiday periods. For residents, this means that while the town is generally very safe, extra vigilance is recommended during the busier months of the year.

How To Keep Safe in Barmouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Barmouth. Staying safe in this coastal town involves awareness and practical precautions.

1. Stay Alert in Busy Areas: During the peak summer season, the town centre and beach areas can be very crowded. Keep your personal belongings secure and stay aware of the people around you.
2. Stick to Well-Lit Routes: When walking home at night, especially from the harbour or high street, use main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts or beach paths.
3. Secure Your Seasonal Property: If you own a holiday home or let a property, ensure it has visible security measures and is checked regularly during the quieter winter months.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness ASB, report it via the 101 non-emergency line. Consistent reporting helps local police manage resources during the busy tourist season.
5. Use Licensed Taxis: If you have been out for the evening, always use a licensed taxi service to ensure you get home safely, rather than walking alone in unfamiliar areas.

Crime Timing in Barmouth

Crime in Barmouth follows a seasonal and daily cycle typical of a tourist town. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily associated with theft (55%), often linked to the opening of local shops and attractions. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains the dominant crime at 55%, and burglary reports increase to 15%.

As evening falls (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts. "Other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, rise to 58% of all reports, reflecting the peak hours for social activity and nightlife. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly important for property security. While overall volume may be lower, burglary reaches its highest percentage at 24%, and vehicle crime also sees a slight increase to 6%. This suggests that the hours of darkness are when homes and vehicles are most vulnerable to targeted criminal activity. Residents and business owners should ensure that all security measures are fully engaged before the end of the day.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Barmouth is a central hub for activity. While it has a crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people, surrounding villages like Fairbourne, Friog, Tal-y-bont, and Llwyngwril report almost no crime. This difference is expected, as Barmouth's shops, amusements, and nightlife attract a much larger population than the nearby residential hamlets. However, even with this higher activity, Barmouth remains safer than other coastal towns like Harlech (56.5), offering a good balance of amenities and security.

Home Security and scOS in Barmouth

Barmouth's low property crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people is a testament to its safety, but homeowners should still be mindful of opportunistic theft and criminal damage. In a town with high seasonal footfall, traditional reactive security like basic CCTV often falls short. These systems only record a crime after it has happened, which provides little comfort to a victim of a break-in or vandalism.

scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to identify and deter threats at the property boundary. Instead of just capturing footage, scOS monitors your property in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings before an intruder reaches your door. For Barmouth residents, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and learn daily routines means fewer false alarms and more effective protection. In a seaside town where properties may be left unattended during the off-season, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure your home remains secure year-round.