Pwllheli Crime Rate

Crime in Pwllheli

Pwllheli is a busy coastal and commercial hub with a crime rate that reflects its urban activity. The overall crime rate stands at 124.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This has resulted in a safety score of 73/100, indicating a higher risk environment compared to the surrounding rural areas of Gwynedd. The recent crime trend in Pwllheli is classified as decreasing, with a notable drop of 10.2% year-over-year. Property crime is a factor, with a rate of 34.0 per 1,000 people—slightly above the UK average of 32.9. As a town that attracts significant tourism and serves as a regional centre, its crime statistics are influenced by both its permanent population and high transient visitor numbers.

Crime Breakdown in Pwllheli

Pwllheli's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.0% of all reported incidents (172 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is also significant, representing 23.8% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 9.0%. As a key regional town and holiday destination, these figures reflect the challenges of a busy commercial centre with a high volume of visitors.

Property crime in Pwllheli is a notable concern, with a rate of 34.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.9. This total includes shoplifting, other theft (5.7%), and criminal damage and arson (7.1%). Burglary accounts for 2.6% of all reports, while vehicle crime stands at 2.0%. The property crime rate, particularly in the form of theft and damage, suggests that opportunistic crime is prevalent. For local residents and business owners, this means that protecting physical assets and maintaining a visible security presence are essential for safety.

Crime Trends in Pwllheli

The crime trend in Pwllheli is currently decreasing, with a notable drop of 10.2% year-over-year. Monthly data shows that crime rates were highest in April 2025 (12.4 per 1,000 people) and February 2025 (12.2), which may be linked to the start of the spring season and early tourist activity.

The lowest crime rate was recorded in December 2024 (7.6), showing a significant drop during the winter months. Throughout the summer, the rate remained relatively consistent, averaging around 11.0 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that while Pwllheli maintains a higher baseline of crime than its rural neighbours, the overall trend is one of improvement. For residents, this decrease is a positive sign that local safety initiatives are having an impact.

How To Keep Safe in Pwllheli

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Pwllheli. Staying safe in this busy town requires awareness and simple, practical steps.

1. Stick to Well-Lit Areas: When walking home at night, especially from the town centre or marina, stay on main roads and avoid unlit alleys or shortcuts.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: In busy shopping areas or during social hours, keep your personal belongings secure and stay alert to the people around you.
3. Secure Your Property: With criminal damage and shoplifting being significant issues, ensure your home and business have visible security measures, such as motion-activated lighting and clear signage.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness ASB, report it to the local police. Consistent reporting helps authorities identify hotspots and deploy resources more effectively.
5. Use Licensed Transport: If you have been out for the evening, always use a licensed taxi or arrange a lift with someone you trust to ensure you get home safely.

Crime Timing in Pwllheli

Crime in Pwllheli follows a distinct pattern throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) see a high proportion of theft (48%), often related to the opening of the town's retail and commercial outlets. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft accounts for 51% of reported incidents.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant shift. "Other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rise to 57% of all reports, reflecting the peak social and nightlife hours in the town centre. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly important for property security. While the overall volume of crime may be lower, burglary reaches its highest percentage at 18%, and vehicle crime also sees a significant increase to 26%. This suggests that the hours of darkness are when homes and vehicles are most vulnerable to targeted criminal activity.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Pwllheli has a much more active crime profile. While Pwllheli reports 124.6 crimes per 1,000 people, the nearby areas of Llanbedrog, Hafan y Mor, and Abersoch report almost no crime. Nefyn has a crime rate of 52.8, which is also considerably lower than Pwllheli. This disparity is typical for a central hub like Pwllheli, which concentrates the region's retail, social, and transport activities. Residents of Pwllheli experience an urban safety environment that is distinct from the very low-crime residential and holiday settlements just a few miles away.

Home Security and scOS in Pwllheli

With a property crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 people, Pwllheli residents and business owners face a real challenge in protecting their assets. In such an environment, traditional reactive security like standard CCTV or video doorbells is often insufficient. These systems are designed to record a crime as it happens, but they do little to prevent an intruder from attempting a break-in or committing acts of criminal damage.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI-powered intelligence to identify and deter threats at the property boundary. Instead of just providing footage of a burglary, scOS detects unauthorised presence in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. For Pwllheli homeowners, scOS's ability to learn daily routines and verify vehicles means fewer false alarms and more effective protection. In a town with higher-than-average property crime, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.