Dolgellau Crime Rate

Crime in Dolgellau

Dolgellau is a historic town with a crime rate that is lower than the UK national average. The overall crime rate stands at 91.1 per 1,000 people per year, compared to the UK average of 93.1. This has resulted in a good safety score of 79/100, indicating a secure environment for residents and visitors. The recent crime trend in Dolgellau is classified as decreasing, with a notable 13.9% drop year-over-year, which is a positive sign for the local community. Property crime is relatively low at 26.0 per 1,000 people—below the UK average of 32.9. As a town that serves as a regional centre and a gateway to Snowdonia, its crime statistics reflect its active social and commercial life.

Crime Breakdown in Dolgellau

Dolgellau's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.6% of all reported incidents (86 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is also significant, representing 23.4% of the total, followed by other theft at 8.1%. As a historic market town and hub for outdoor activities, these figures reflect the challenges of maintaining social order in a popular destination.

Property crime in Dolgellau is relatively low, with a rate of 26.0 per 1,000 people, which is better than the UK average of 32.9. This total includes other theft (8.1%), shoplifting (6.0%), and burglary (3.8%). Vehicle crime and robbery each account for around 1-2% of total reports. The property crime rate, while lower than national averages, still highlights a need for vigilance, particularly in the form of theft and criminal damage. For local residents and business owners, protecting physical assets and maintaining a visible security presence are important steps for ensuring long-term safety.

Crime Trends in Dolgellau

The crime trend in Dolgellau is currently decreasing, with a notable 13.9% drop in reports year-over-year. Monthly data shows that crime rates were highest in September 2025 at 10.1 per 1,000 people, followed by October at 8.9 and August at 8.5.

The lowest rate was observed in April 2025 (3.9), showing a significant drop in the spring. Throughout the summer and early autumn, the rate remained relatively high, averaging around 8.0 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that crime in Dolgellau can be variable, but the overall trend is one of improvement. For residents, this decrease is a positive sign that local safety initiatives are having an impact.

How To Keep Safe in Dolgellau

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Dolgellau. Staying safe in this historic town involves awareness and practical precautions.

1. Stick to Well-Lit Routes: When walking home at night, especially from the town centre or local pubs, use main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts or paths.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Even in a safe town, it's important to stay alert to the people around you and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.
3. Secure Your Property: Always ensure doors and windows are locked when you are out or at night. Opportunistic theft can happen even in low-crime areas.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness ASB, report it via the 101 non-emergency line. Consistent reporting helps local police manage resources and prevent minor issues from escalating.
5. Use Licensed Transport: If you have been out for the evening, always use a licensed taxi service or arrange a lift with someone you trust to ensure you get home safely.

Crime Timing in Dolgellau

Crime in Dolgellau follows a distinct daily cycle. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily associated with theft (53%), often linked to the opening of local shops and services. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains the dominant crime at 53%, and burglary reports increase to 19%.

As evening falls (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts. "Other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, rise to 55% of all reports, reflecting the peak hours for social activity. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly important for property security. While overall volume may be lower, burglary reaches its highest percentage at 30%, and vehicle crime also sees a notable increase to 11%. This suggests that the hours of darkness are when homes and vehicles are most vulnerable to targeted criminal activity. Residents should ensure that all security measures are fully engaged before the end of the day.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Dolgellau is a central hub for activity. While it has a crime rate of 91.1 per 1,000 people, surrounding villages like Friog, Pantperthog, and Fairbourne report almost no crime. Barmouth has a crime rate of 39.2, which is also lower than Dolgellau. This difference is expected, as Dolgellau's shops, services, and attractions attract a larger population than the nearby residential hamlets. However, Dolgellau remains a secure settlement, offering a good balance of amenities and safety for those who live there.

Home Security and scOS in Dolgellau

Dolgellau's property crime rate of 26.0 per 1,000 people is a positive indicator of its safety, but homeowners should still be mindful of opportunistic theft and criminal damage. In a town where community life is active, traditional reactive security like basic CCTV often falls short. These systems only record a crime after it has happened, which provides little comfort to a victim of a break-in or vandalism.

scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to identify and deter threats at the property boundary. Instead of just capturing footage, scOS monitors your property in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings before an intruder reaches your door. For Dolgellau residents, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and learn your daily routines means fewer false alarms and more effective protection. In a town where properties may be left unattended during the day, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure your home remains secure.