Holyhead Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2024, Holyhead's crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 41.5% above the UK average of 8.2. This built-up area within the Isle of Anglesey saw a stark imbalance between property and violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 31.2% of all reported crimes—nearly double the share of property crimes (21.9%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime in this coastal town may partly explain the elevated rate compared to national averages, though seasonal factors also play a role. August, a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and empty homes, which could contribute to higher burglary risks. However, violent crime remained the most prevalent category, with 44 incidents recorded, far exceeding the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 for violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour (25 incidents) and shoplifting (21 incidents) followed closely, both significantly above national averages. This pattern contrasts with the UK's broader trend, where property crimes often dominate. The high proportion of violent crime in Holyhead may reflect local dynamics, such as the town's role as a transport hub connecting mainland Wales to the Isle of Anglesey, which could increase interactions in public spaces. While August's seasonal context—holiday activity and tourism—might explain some trends, the persistent gap between violent and property crime rates deserves closer attention to local factors influencing public safety.

August 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting incidents dropping by 41.7% compared to July, falling from 36 to 21. This decline may be linked to increased policing during the holiday season or seasonal changes in retail activity. Conversely, 'other crime' increased by 50%, rising from 2 to 3 incidents, though this category's ambiguity makes interpretation challenging. Violent crime, however, remained high, with 44 incidents recorded—34% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour (25 incidents) also exceeded the UK average by 46%, highlighting persistent issues in public spaces. Shoplifting's sharp decline contrasts with the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, which Holyhead's rate of 1.7 per 1,000 was 139% above in July. This suggests that while some categories are showing improvement, others, like violence and anti-social behaviour, remain entrenched challenges. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the continued need for vigilance in public areas, where violent crime and anti-social behaviour are higher than national benchmarks.

Holyhead's August 2024 crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 marked a 19.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 14.3 per 1,000, reflecting a notable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of five crimes per day in August, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 86 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the scale of incidents relative to the population of 12,151. This rate is higher than the UK average but aligns with the area's character as a coastal town with significant seasonal fluctuations. The drop from July to August may be attributed to the start of the school year, which typically reduces youth-related crime, or increased police presence during the summer tourist season. However, the persistence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour at levels significantly above the UK average suggests that structural factors—such as the town's role as a transport hub and its proximity to major routes—continue to influence crime dynamics. While the monthly exposure figure of 1-in-86 residents may seem high, this is a monthly aggregate and does not account for daily variations. Residents should remain aware that crime hotspots may shift seasonally, with August's tourism-driven activity increasing risks in specific areas.