Porthmadog Crime Rate

Porthmadog's crime rate of 118.3 per 1,000 residents is 30% above the UK average, with Other crime surging by 700% YoY. This sharp rise in unclassified crimes, which are 135% above the national rate, highlights a critical local challenge. While property crime remains slightly below the UK average, the area's elevated rates of shoplifting (119% above UK average) and anti-social behaviour (39% above UK average) demand targeted interventions.

Porthmadog is a coastal built-up area in Gwynedd, known for its scenic landscapes and tourist appeal. With a population of 1,707, it balances residential living with commercial activity. Its proximity to natural attractions may draw transient populations, which could influence anti-social behaviour and retail crime rates. The area's compact size and limited public transport may also contribute to higher foot traffic in key locations, elevating shoplifting and other opportunistic crimes.

The most striking finding is that Other crime in Porthmadog is 135% above the UK average (4.7 vs 2.0 per 1,000). This category, which includes unclassified crimes, may reflect unaddressed local issues or gaps in reporting. Shoplifting is 119% above the UK average (16.4 vs 7.5 per 1,000), likely driven by the area's retail presence and tourist footfall. Anti-social behaviour is also elevated (20.5 vs 14.7 per 1,000), possibly linked to the transient nature of some residents. While property crime is slightly below the UK average (30.5 vs 31.9), this is offset by the sharp rise in Other crime. The 700% YoY increase in Other crime suggests systemic challenges that may require targeted interventions.

Crime in Porthmadog has increased by 32.0% YoY, with Other crime surging by 700% (4.7 per 1,000). This dramatic rise may be linked to unaddressed local factors or gaps in reporting. Monthly data shows a peak of 17.6 per 1,000 in August 2025, likely driven by summer tourism. While vehicle crime has risen 200% YoY, it remains 62% below the UK average. The sharp increase in Other crime, which is 135% above the UK average, underscores the need for targeted interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Porthmadog

Residents should prioritize securing against Other crime (135% above UK average) by adopting proactive measures like scOS's real-time perimeter monitoring. For shoplifting, which has risen 100% YoY, businesses should enhance retail security with multi-camera systems. Given the 30.5 property crime rate (slightly below UK average), home security features like DVLA verification and perimeter monitoring can mitigate risks. Community engagement around anti-social behaviour (20.5 per 1,000, 39% above UK average) is also crucial to address local challenges.

Crime in Porthmadog follows distinct daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (58% of afternoon crimes), aligning with retail activity and tourist movements. Vehicle crime spikes at night (30% of night-time crimes), possibly due to isolated parking areas and reduced surveillance. Other crime, which is 135% above the UK average, is most prevalent in the evening (60% of evening crimes), potentially tied to late-night social gatherings. Burglary, though low (0.6 per 1,000), occurs more frequently at night (6% of night-time crimes), reflecting the area's limited residential density and potential gaps in home security.

Compared to Penrhyndeudraeth (85.6 per 1,000) and Criccieth (62.1 per 1,000), Porthmadog has a 38% higher crime rate than Penrhyndeudraeth and a 91% higher rate than Criccieth. Criccieth's lower crime rate may reflect its more rural character, while Penrhyndeudraeth's proximity to Porthmadog may explain some similarities in crime trends.

For Porthmadog households, scOS's proactive boundary detection is critical, given the 135% above-average rate of Other crime (4.7 vs 2.0 per 1,000). Its AI evaluates real-time activity near properties, triggering lights and speakers to deter intruders. DVLA vehicle verification also helps flag stolen or cloned plates near homes, a feature particularly relevant as vehicle crime rises 200% YoY. With property crime slightly below the UK average, scOS's focus on active deterrence addresses the area's most pressing security concern.