Gwynedd Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a slight but notable shift in Gwynedd’s crime profile, with an overall rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents—1.6% above the UK average. This figure, while modest, underscores the area’s position as a slightly higher-risk locale compared to the national norm. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.7% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.4%) and criminal damage and arson (9.0%). These patterns align with Gwynedd’s character as a rural district with a mix of coastal and inland communities, where seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity in winter may influence crime dynamics. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, yet Gwynedd’s rate of 2.6 per 1,000 suggests a persistent challenge in managing violent crime. Similarly, anti-social behaviour, which is 43% above the UK average, may reflect the impact of isolated communities and limited public engagement spaces. The seasonal context of February—a pre-spring lull with low outdoor activity—likely contributes to the relative stability in crime rates, though the sharp rise in weapon possession and theft from the person indicates pockets of vulnerability. These findings suggest that while Gwynedd’s overall crime rate remains manageable, targeted interventions may be needed in areas with higher-than-average violent and anti-social crime.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in February 2026 was the 125% rise in possession of weapons, with incidents increasing from 4 to 9. This sharp spike, while modest in absolute terms, raises questions about local factors such as seasonal transitions or unreported incidents. Concurrently, theft from the person doubled, jumping from 0 to 6, a 100% increase that may reflect heightened awareness or changes in policing focus. Burglary also surged by 83.3%, climbing from 12 to 22, a shift that contrasts with the 71% decrease in vehicle crime (from 16 to 10). These divergent trends highlight a combination of property and personal crime dynamics. Drug-related crimes fell by 54.5%, the largest drop among all categories, though this may be influenced by temporary factors such as reduced social gatherings during the winter. The UK comparison shows Gwynedd’s violence and sexual offences rate is 12% above the national average, while shoplifting is 14% below, illustrating a mixed picture of local crime patterns.

February 2026 saw a 6.4% decrease in Gwynedd’s overall crime rate compared to January, falling from 6.9 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This shift aligns with typical seasonal patterns, where winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, 28 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that, while consistent with Gwynedd’s historical trends, remains lower than the UK average when adjusted for population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 155 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s relatively stable security environment. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises risk in terms of personal likelihood rather than abstract statistics. The reduction in crime rate may partly explain the drop in drug-related incidents, which fell by 54.5%, though this could also reflect targeted policing efforts or changing local dynamics. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Gwynedd’s crime profile remains broadly in line with national trends, despite its slight elevation above the UK average.