Porthmadog Crime Rate

Porthmadog is a bustling regional hub in Gwynedd, which is reflected in its safety score of 75/100. The town's overall crime rate is 106.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This elevated rate is largely due to its status as a commercial and social centre, leading to higher levels of retail theft and public order reports. Recent trends show a 24.0% increase in crime year-over-year, indicating a period of rising activity. However, it is important to note that property crime remains significantly lower than the UK average, and burglary is exceptionally rare. The following analysis provides a detailed look at Porthmadog's crime breakdown, seasonal trends, and temporal patterns to help residents navigate the local safety environment.

Crime Breakdown in Porthmadog

Porthmadog's crime profile is characterized by a high frequency of personal and retail-related offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 41.4% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 22.1%, followed by shoplifting at 14.9%. These top three categories represent the majority of police activity in this busy hub.

Property crime in Porthmadog—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents. While this is higher than some neighbouring villages, it remains significantly below the UK national average of 32.9. Shoplifting is a major component of this figure, reflecting the area's status as a commercial centre. Burglary is notably absent from the top categories, while criminal damage and arson account for only 2.2% of the total.

For residents and business owners, the data indicates that while Porthmadog is more active than surrounding rural areas, the risk of serious property crime like burglary remains low. The primary concerns are personal safety in public spaces and the prevention of retail theft and anti-social behaviour.

Crime Trends in Porthmadog

Porthmadog is currently experiencing a significant upward trend in criminal activity, with total crime increasing by 24.0% year-over-year. This is a notable rise that suggests the town is becoming more active and potentially more challenging from a security perspective. Monthly data from the past year shows a high degree of volatility. The crime rate was relatively stable in late 2024 and early 2025, hovering between 6.4 and 8.8 per 1,000 residents.

However, a major spike occurred in March 2025, with the rate jumping to 12.3. After a brief dip in April, the rate climbed again throughout the summer, culminating in a yearly peak of 17.6 in August 2025. This summer surge likely correlates with increased visitor numbers and tourism activity in the town. By September and October, the rate had settled back to 8.2, which is still consistent with the earlier part of the year. For residents, these trends highlight the importance of increased vigilance during the busy summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Porthmadog

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Porthmadog, accounting for over 41% of total incidents. Given the town's role as a social and commercial hub, personal safety is a key consideration.

1. Situational Awareness: When in the town centre or near social venues, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, populated routes when walking home.
2. Retail Security: For business owners, shoplifting is a significant issue (nearly 15%). Use clear signage, staff training, and AI-powered monitoring to deter and detect theft during peak shopping hours.
3. Vehicle Protection: Since vehicle crime increases at night, always double-check that your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or a secure driveway if possible.
4. Secure Personal Items: With theft being common, never leave bags or electronics unattended in public spaces like cafes or shops.
5. Community Vigilance: Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Active reporting helps the police manage the higher volume of activity associated with a regional hub like Porthmadog.

Porthmadog's crime data reveals distinct temporal shifts between daytime and night-time activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 63% and 64% of reports respectively. This high proportion is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in the town's busy commercial areas. As the town transitions into the evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. Theft reports drop to 32% in the evening and 20% at night. In their place, 'other' crimes—including violence and anti-social behaviour—increase to around 60% of all activity. Notably, vehicle crime sees a sharp proportional increase at night, rising to 21% of nocturnal reports compared to just 2-7% during the rest of the day. Burglary remains at 0% across all time periods, reinforcing Porthmadog's status as a very low-risk area for residential break-ins. Residents should prioritize vehicle security overnight and remain vigilant against theft during peak shopping hours.

As a major settlement in south Gwynedd, Porthmadog has a higher crime profile than its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 106.0 per 1,000 is higher than Penrhyndeudraeth (83.4) and Criccieth (66.8). This contrast is even sharper when compared to the very quiet rural areas of Tremadog and Morfa Bychan, both of which reported zero crime. For those considering the area, Porthmadog offers a more urban experience with more amenities, but this comes with the higher level of activity typical of a regional town. Despite this, it remains a safe place to live compared to many UK towns of a similar size.

Homeowners in Porthmadog benefit from a property crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000, which is nearly 30% lower than the UK average. However, with shoplifting and other theft being common in the area, opportunistic crime is a constant presence. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record the crime as it happens, often providing blurry footage of a thief who has already left.

For residents who want real protection, a proactive system is essential. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that prevents crime before it happens. By watching all your cameras simultaneously with advanced intelligence, scOS detects threats at your property boundary. In Porthmadog, where vehicle crime spikes to 21% of nocturnal activity, scOS can identify someone approaching your car and autonomously trigger lights and audio warnings to stop them in their tracks. This proactive intervention destroys the element of surprise and makes your property an unappealing target. Investing in scOS means moving beyond recording crime to actually preventing it, ensuring your home and vehicles are truly secure.