Dolgellau Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Dolgellau

Dolgellau records an overall crime rate of 98.1 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The town's safety score is 78 out of 100, aligning with the UK average. Property crime in Dolgellau stands at 27.5 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, crime rates in Dolgellau have remained stable, showing a minor 3.3% change year-over-year. These figures provide a detailed overview of the crime landscape in Dolgellau, highlighting areas where residents may need to be more vigilant.

Dolgellau Crime Type Analysis

In Dolgellau, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crimes, occurring at a rate of 34.5 per 1,000 residents and constituting 35.2% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 22.5 per 1,000 residents experiencing it, making up 22.9% of total crimes. Other theft ranks as the third highest crime type, at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, representing 7.9% of all offences.

When considering overall property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Dolgellau records a combined rate of 27.5 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary is at 3.5 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.9 per 1,000, and other theft at 7.8 per 1,000. The relatively low property crime rate suggests that residents and homeowners in Dolgellau face a comparatively lower risk of direct property-related offences, despite the slightly higher overall crime rate.

Crime Trends in Dolgellau

Dolgellau has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor 3.3% change year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of reported incidents rather than a significant rise or fall. Analysing the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate was 15.9 in October 2024, saw a dip to 5.8 in January and February 2025, its lowest points. Following this, there was a general increase, with fluctuations, reaching 10.1 in September 2025. This pattern suggests some variability in monthly crime activity, but the overall year-on-year change indicates a relatively steady situation. Residents should remain aware of these minor shifts in crime activity throughout the year.

Time Patterns of Crime in Dolgellau

Crime patterns in Dolgellau show distinct variations throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant category at 54%, with burglary at 11% and vehicle crime at 6%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains high at 56%, followed by burglary at 17% and "other crimes" at 24%. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), "other crimes" become most prominent at 52%, while theft drops to 24% and burglary is at 17%. During the night (12am-6am), "other crimes" persist at 40%, while vehicle crime sees its highest percentage at 20% and burglary at 25%. This indicates that theft is more prevalent during the day, while "other crimes" are consistently high in the evenings and nights, with burglary and vehicle crime peaking overnight.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Dolgellau's crime statistics, with an overall rate of 98.1 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 78/100, indicate a crime level comparable to the UK average. When comparing Dolgellau to nearby Barmouth, Friog, Pantperthog, and Fairbourne, Dolgellau typically experiences a slightly higher crime rate than some of the smaller, more residential areas. As a market town and administrative centre, Dolgellau's urban characteristics and visitor numbers likely contribute to different crime dynamics than the smaller, more rural surrounding areas. This regional context highlights that while nearby settlements may offer a comparatively quieter environment, Dolgellau faces distinct challenges in maintaining public safety.

Protecting Your Property in Dolgellau

Given Dolgellau's property crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000, which is below the national average, proactive home security remains a sensible consideration for residents. While the risk is comparatively lower, no area is entirely immune to crime. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage after an incident, offering a reactive response. For true peace of mind, consider solutions that actively prevent crime before it happens.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at your property's boundary, not just after a break-in. These systems use multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously and can even identify fake vehicle registrations. Unlike basic DIY systems that merely notify you after the fact, professional-grade solutions intervene in real-time. This can involve activating lights and engaging speakers to disrupt and deter potential intruders, effectively destroying their element of surprise. With most burglars making a decision within 60 seconds, a visible and intelligent deterrent can make them move on to an easier target, ensuring your property in Dolgellau remains secure.