Caernarfon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime rate in Caernarfon for January 2026 stands at 12.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 85.3% above the UK average of 6.8. This marks a significant departure from the national trend, highlighting the area’s unique crime profile. The most prevalent categories are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (15.8%) and anti-social behaviour (14.2%). These figures reflect a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. As a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural characteristics, Caernarfon’s crime patterns may reflect seasonal and economic influences. January, typically a post-holiday period, often sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which could contribute to a shift in criminal activity. While outdoor crimes tend to decline during colder months, the persistence of violent offences and property-related incidents suggests underlying issues that may not be fully mitigated by seasonal changes. The high rate of shoplifting, in particular, may be linked to the town’s retail presence, despite the reduced footfall, indicating potential vulnerabilities in local security measures. The overall crime rate, while elevated, invites further analysis to determine whether these trends are consistent with historical data or represent an emerging pattern.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2026 was a 250% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 150% jump in shoplifting (from 8 to 20) and a 100% rise in robbery (from 0 to 1), signals a notable shift in criminal activity. Violent crimes, though not the largest month-on-month increase, remain high, with violence and sexual offences at 4.7 per 1,000 (88% above the UK average) and shoplifting at 2.0 per 1,000 (251% above). The decline in anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and criminal damage and arson (21.4%) may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced public gatherings during shorter daylight hours. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime is striking, particularly given the area’s coastal location, which typically sees fewer vehicle-related incidents. Residents may find the 150% increase in shoplifting, which now accounts for 15.8% of all crimes, particularly relevant, as it suggests targeted retail vulnerabilities. These figures underscore the need for tailored interventions, especially in sectors experiencing rapid changes in crime patterns.

Caernarfon’s crime rate in January 2026 rose 8.5% to 12.6 per 1,000 residents, up from 11.6 in December. This translates to approximately 4 crimes reported per day, a figure that, while locally contextualised, provides a tangible sense of daily exposure. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 80 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the frequency of incidents within the population. With a population of 10,116, the rate of 12.6 per 1,000 means that roughly 128 residents are affected by crime each month, though this is slightly higher than the actual total of 127 reported crimes. The comparison to the UK average is stark: Caernarfon’s rate is more than double the national figure, reflecting systemic differences in policing, demographics, or economic conditions. While the UK average includes a diverse range of urban and rural areas, Caernarfon’s built-up character within Gwynedd may amplify certain vulnerabilities, such as those linked to retail and public spaces. These figures, when contextualised against the broader UK landscape, suggest a need for targeted local strategies to address the area’s unique challenges.