Caernarfon Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Caernarfon's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 37% of all reported incidents and 47% above the UK average. This category, which includes assault, harassment, and sexual misconduct, remains a critical focus for local authorities, given its disproportionate impact on community safety. The town's overall crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents—42.2% above the UK average—reflects a combination of local factors, including the demographic composition of its population and the physical characteristics of its built-up area. As a historic coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourism-related spaces, Caernarfon faces unique challenges in managing crime. For instance, the prominence of violence-related offences may be linked to the social dynamics of its town centre, where high foot traffic and the presence of pubs and entertainment venues could contribute to incidents during evenings and weekends. Seasonal patterns also play a role: February, as a winter month, likely saw reduced outdoor activity and lower visibility, which may have limited opportunities for crimes such as burglary or theft from vehicles. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour—18.5% of all crimes, 87% above the UK average—suggests deeper, more entrenched issues that may require long-term community engagement strategies. The breakdown of other crime types further illustrates this complexity: criminal damage and arson (7.6% of total crimes, 52% above UK average) and public order offences (7.6%, 71% above UK average) highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas prone to disorder. These findings underscore the importance of contextualizing crime data within the specific socio-economic and geographic realities of Caernarfon, rather than relying on broad national comparisons.

February 2026 saw a significant 80% drop in shoplifting, with reported incidents falling from 20 to 4—a reduction that may partly explain the overall rate decline. However, anti-social behaviour remained 87% above the UK average, with 17 reported cases, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this category. Bicycle theft surged by 100%, with one incident reported in February compared to none in January, suggesting a vulnerability in local infrastructure or security measures. Vehicle crime also fell sharply by 57.1%, from 7 to 3, potentially linked to reduced traffic during the winter lull. Meanwhile, drugs-related offences decreased by 50%, from 8 to 4, though they remained 74% above the UK average. These shifts illustrate the uneven nature of crime trends, where some categories respond predictably to seasonal factors while others, like anti-social behaviour, persist as entrenched challenges. A resident might find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it highlights a sudden rise in an area typically associated with lower rates of such crimes.

Caernarfon's February 2026 crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents represents a 27.6% decline from January's 12.6, marking a notable shift in local crime dynamics. This reduction aligns with seasonal trends observed in winter months, where colder weather and reduced outdoor activity may limit opportunities for crimes such as burglary or public order incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low in absolute terms, reflects the concentrated impact of crime in a small population of 10,116. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 110 residents, a statistic that underscores the tangible connection each resident has to the local crime profile. This monthly exposure rate, though higher than the UK average, highlights the need for localized strategies to address persistent issues like anti-social behaviour and violence. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that even modest changes in crime frequency—such as the 80% drop in shoplifting—can have measurable effects on community safety perceptions. For instance, the 1-in-110 ratio implies that every resident is statistically likely to encounter a crime-related incident within their social circle, reinforcing the importance of tailored interventions that balance public safety with the unique character of Caernarfon as a historic coastal town with a mix of residential and tourism-driven spaces.