Barmouth Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Barmouth's crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents in August 2024 places it 61% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This coastal town within Gwynedd, known for its tourist attractions and seasonal fluctuations, recorded 21 total crimes, with property crimes (10) and violent crimes (5) forming the largest shares. The breakdown reveals violence and sexual offences (23.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (23.8%) as the most common categories. These figures align with Barmouth's character as a tourist destination where seasonal patterns—such as August's peak holiday season—may influence crime dynamics. The lower-than-average rates could reflect the town's relatively low population density (6,573 residents) and the transient nature of its visitor population, which may dilute opportunities for persistent criminal activity. However, the seasonal context introduces complexities: while tourism might reduce property crime through increased police presence or deterrence, it could also create vulnerabilities, such as unoccupied homes during holiday periods. The data suggests a cautious optimism, with the town's crime profile consistently diverging from national trends, though specific categories like criminal damage and arson show marked month-on-month increases that warrant closer examination.

August 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and other theft tripling (from 1 to 4). This contrasts with a 50% decline in shoplifting, likely reflecting seasonal changes in retail activity and tourist footfall. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 37.5% compared to the previous month, possibly linked to the summer holidays reducing late-night social gatherings. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 28.6%, though the category remains 44% below the UK average. Other theft (0.6 per 1,000) is 5% above the UK average, highlighting a niche vulnerability. Residents may find the 1-in-313 monthly exposure rate (one crime per 313 residents) particularly relevant, illustrating the low likelihood of encountering crime in daily life. The sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, however, suggests a need for targeted interventions, especially given the UK average for this category is only 0.6 per 1,000—far below Barmouth's 0.6 per 1,000, which is 3% below the national figure. This anomaly merits further scrutiny, as it indicates a localised issue rather than a national trend.

Barmouth's crime rate remained stable at 3.2 per 1,000 residents in August 2024, matching the previous month's rate exactly. This consistency is notable given the typically volatile nature of crime statistics. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while low, includes the 300% increase in criminal damage and arson. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 313 residents, a statistic that underscores the area's relative safety compared to the UK average. With a population of 6,573, Barmouth's small size means that even minor shifts in crime numbers can have proportionally larger impacts on the rate. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-313 provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is minimal. This is further reinforced by the town's position 61% below the UK average. However, the population-scaled perspective also reveals that Barmouth's crime profile is not uniform: while overall rates are low, specific categories like other theft and theft from the person show deviations from national trends, suggesting that local factors—such as the town's coastal geography or seasonal tourism—may create unique challenges for crime prevention.