Penygroes Crime Rate

Penygroes presents a unique safety profile within Gwynedd, characterized by a safety score of 70/100. The area's overall crime rate stands at 122.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. However, this figure is primarily driven by personal and social offences rather than property-related crime. Encouragingly, Penygroes is experiencing a significant downward trend, with a 17.3% year-over-year decrease in total incidents. This indicates a positive shift in the local environment. While the overall rate suggests the need for awareness, the exceptionally low burglary and property crime figures offer reassurance to homeowners. The following sections provide a deeper analysis of these trends and offer practical advice for residents.

Crime Breakdown in Penygroes

Crime in Penygroes is heavily weighted towards personal and social order offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, comprising 45.1% of all recorded crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 27.9% and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. These three categories combined represent the vast majority of police intervention in the area.

Regarding property crime—which encompasses burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—Penygroes has a rate of 19.4 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is remarkably rare in this settlement, accounting for only 0.5% of total crime. Other theft makes up 4.7% of the total. While property crime rates are lower than national benchmarks, the high rate of criminal damage suggests that external property security remains a relevant concern for local homeowners.

For the community, the data highlights that while the risk of being a victim of burglary is statistically very low, the higher incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour necessitates a focus on personal safety and robust deterrents against vandalism and damage.

Crime Trends in Penygroes

Penygroes is currently benefiting from a strong downward trend in criminal activity. The area has seen a 17.3% year-over-year decrease in total crime, a significant improvement that suggests local safety initiatives are having an effect. Monthly data from the past year illustrates this decline vividly. In November 2024, the crime rate was at its peak for the period at 17.1 per 1,000 residents.

Following this, the rate saw a sharp decline, reaching a low of 4.6 in January 2025. While there were some mid-year fluctuations—with rates rising back to 14.3 in February and April—the overall trajectory has remained negative. By October 2025, the crime rate had fallen to just 2.9 per 1,000, the lowest recorded in the twelve-month cycle. This consistent reduction throughout the latter half of 2025 is an encouraging sign for residents, indicating that Penygroes is becoming a progressively safer community.

How To Keep Safe in Penygroes

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Penygroes, accounting for 45% of total incidents. While many of these may be localized, personal safety and situational awareness are paramount for residents.

1. Stay in Well-Lit Areas: When walking at night, stick to main roads and areas with consistent street lighting. Avoid shortcuts through unlit alleys or parks where visibility is reduced.
2. Personal Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially during the evening hours when social offences peak. If you feel uncomfortable, move towards a public place or a friend's house.
3. Deter Criminal Damage: Since vandalism is a top-three crime here, ensure your property is visible and well-maintained. Defensive planting (thorny shrubs) under windows can deter loitering and damage.
4. Walk with Others: Whenever possible, especially late at night, walk with a companion. There is safety in numbers, and it significantly reduces the likelihood of being targeted for personal offences.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness anti-social behaviour or suspicious loitering, report it to the police. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious incidents.

The temporal distribution of crime in Penygroes shows a clear divide between daytime and night-time activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a significant factor, accounting for 41% and 47% of reports respectively. This suggests that property-related offences are most likely to occur when the town is active and commercial areas are busy. However, as the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime shifts dramatically. Between 6pm and 6am, the proportion of theft drops to between 12% and 16%, while 'other' crimes—which include violence and anti-social behaviour—surge to nearly 90% of all activity. Notably, burglary and vehicle crime are absent from the time-period data, reinforcing the annual statistics that suggest Penygroes is a very low-risk area for traditional break-ins. Residents should focus their security efforts on personal safety during the late hours and remain vigilant against opportunistic theft during the afternoon.

Penygroes occupies a central role in its local cluster of settlements. When compared to its neighbours, it has a significantly higher crime rate than Llanllyfni (68.6) and Groeslon (48.9). This is likely due to its role as a larger residential and service hub for the area. Nearby Talysarn and Llandwrog report zero crimes, highlighting the quiet nature of the surrounding rural villages. While Penygroes' rate of 122.8 per 1,000 is elevated, it is important to note that its property crime rate remains competitive with the region. For those looking for a more active community with good amenities, Penygroes offers a safe residential environment despite the higher volume of personal-conduct reports.

With property crime in Penygroes sitting at 19.4 per 1,000, homeowners enjoy a level of security that is better than the UK average. However, with criminal damage and arson making up over 10% of local crime, the threat to property is often external and opportunistic. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they record the damage as it happens, providing evidence but not prevention.

For true security in Penygroes, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that transforms standard cameras into an intelligent defence network. Instead of notifying you after a window is broken or a car is keyed, scOS detects suspicious patterns at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a neighbour walking by and someone loitering near your vehicle. By activating autonomous responses—such as engaging speakers or increasing light levels—scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. In an area where social-order offences are more common than break-ins, this proactive deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your home and property remain untouched.