Caernarfon Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Caernarfon's crime profile in December 2024 reveals a stark contrast to the UK average, with an overall crime rate of 16.4 per 1,000 residents—131% above the national figure of 7.1. This discrepancy is most pronounced in violent crimes, which accounted for 38% of all incidents, including 63 cases of violence and sexual offences, a rate of 6.2 per 1,000 that is 142% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.7% of total crimes at 2.6 per 1,000, and criminal damage and arson added another 11.5%. The balance of crime types suggests a combination of social and environmental factors, with the town's historic character and seasonal dynamics likely playing a role. December, marked by extended evenings, Christmas shopping, and the holiday season, may have exacerbated conditions conducive to violence and disorder, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited visibility. The data also shows a marked absence of property crimes relative to the UK average, with shoplifting and burglary rates significantly lower than expected for a built-up area. This could reflect a combination of local enforcement efforts, the town's compact nature, or the seasonal impact of empty homes during the holiday period. However, the sharp rise in 'other crime' and possession of weapons highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the root causes of these less-defined but increasingly reported incidents.

December 2024 marked a sharp increase in 'other crime', which rose by 200% compared to November, reflecting a significant shift in the types of incidents being recorded. This category, which includes offences not easily classified under standard categories, may indicate evolving patterns of criminal activity or underreported incidents. Concurrently, bicycle theft and possession of weapons both doubled from November, with the latter seeing a 100% increase from zero to six reported cases. These spikes could be linked to seasonal factors such as holiday-related disturbances or increased movement of individuals in the area. In contrast, anti-social behaviour decreased by 7.1%, indicating a temporary reduction in public disorder during the month. The crime mix reveals a stark imbalance, with violent crimes and anti-social behaviour far exceeding UK averages, suggesting that the area's social and environmental dynamics—such as the impact of dark evenings and holiday-related isolation—play a critical role in shaping these trends.

The crime rate in Caernarfon rose by 35.0% in December 2024 compared to the previous month, climbing from 12.2 to 16.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when extended evenings and holiday-related disruptions may heighten vulnerability. On average, 5 crimes were reported each day in December, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 61 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not uncommon, reflects a concentrated pattern of incidents. When viewed through the lens of population, this rate suggests that residents face a higher risk of encountering crime than the UK average, though local conditions such as the town's historic character and seasonal dynamics likely contribute to this disparity. The population-scaled perspective highlights the need for targeted community engagement, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence remain high.