Caernarfon Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Caernarfon's crime rate in October 2023 reached 14.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 83.7% above the UK average of 8.0. This stark divergence from national trends highlights the unique challenges faced by this coastal town in north Wales. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 43.6% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 137% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 20.1% of total crimes, with rates 134% above the national benchmark. These patterns align with the area's character as a historic town with a mix of tourism, local communities, and seasonal fluctuations. The transition into autumn, with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, likely exacerbates opportunities for anti-social behaviour and theft. Shoplifting, which rose sharply in October, may be influenced by increased foot traffic in retail areas during the festive period. However, the overall crime picture is not uniform: burglary rates fell by 50% compared to the previous month, possibly due to enhanced security measures or seasonal changes in criminal activity. The combination of these factors—elevated violent crime, rising anti-social behaviour, and pockets of decline in property-related offences—paints a complex picture of a town grappling with both persistent and evolving challenges in community safety.

October 2023 saw a dramatic 333.3% increase in shoplifting, rising from three to thirteen incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to Halloween and the darker evenings, which can create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Concurrently, 'other crime' surged by 200%, reflecting a broad category that includes a range of unclassified incidents, potentially pointing to evolving criminal tactics. The possession of weapons also doubled, with two reported cases—nearly 186% above the UK average. This spike could indicate increased gang activity or the presence of illicit weapons in the area. In contrast, burglary fell by 50% compared to the previous month, due to heightened community vigilance or seasonal factors that reduce property-related crimes. The overall crime mix has shifted sharply toward violent offences, which now account for 43.6% of all incidents, compared to the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This imbalance suggests a need for focused policing in areas where violence and anti-social behaviour are concentrated.

Caernarfon's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 33.1% compared to the previous month, reflecting a marked upward trend. At 14.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, this rate is significantly higher than the 11.1 per 1,000 recorded in September. Daily statistics reveal an average of five crimes reported each day over the month, a figure that, while localised, underscores the persistent nature of criminal activity in the area. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 68 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population of 10,116. This context is critical for residents, as it illustrates the tangible impact of crime on daily life. The population-scaled perspective further reveals that the rate of violent crimes, which account for 43.6% of all reported incidents, is high compared to UK averages, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in community safety strategies.