Holyhead Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Holyhead's built-up area within the Isle of Anglesey recorded 135 crimes in January 2026, equating to 11.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 63.2% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the area's distinct challenges. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (25.2%) and shoplifting (11.9%). These figures may reflect the area's seasonal dynamics, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, factors that could contribute to higher rates of public order offences and anti-social behaviour. The sharp rise in shoplifting, which more than tripled from the previous month, may be partly explained by the post-holiday period, when stores experience lower foot traffic and less staff presence. Meanwhile, the dominance of violence and sexual offences over property crimes suggests a shift in the crime profile, with interpersonal conflicts and assaults becoming more prominent. This pattern is consistent with the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where social interactions in public areas may increase the likelihood of such incidents. The overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address the underlying factors driving these crimes.

January 2026 saw a 220% increase in shoplifting, rising from five to 16 incidents. This surge may be linked to the post-holiday period, when retail footfall typically declines, potentially creating opportunities for opportunistic theft. Public order offences also jumped by 150%, from four to 10, a shift that could be connected to the shorter days and colder weather typical of January in a coastal area. Meanwhile, vehicle crime doubled, with two reported incidents—though this remains 46% below the UK average. The most striking contrast to national trends is in anti-social behaviour, which was 201% above the UK average, suggesting a localised challenge in managing community disorder. Residents may find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it represents a significant portion of the total crime volume and may indicate vulnerabilities in local retail security.

Holyhead's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 11.1 per 1,000 residents, a 55.2% increase from the previous month's 7.2. This translates to roughly four crimes reported daily, a figure that may seem high for a coastal town with a population of 12,151. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 90 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the density of incidents relative to the population. While this does not directly compare to UK-wide daily figures, the local context suggests a significant uptick in criminal activity compared to the prior month. The population-scaled perspective reveals that 135 crimes in a community of 12,151 residents equates to approximately 1.1 crimes per 100 people, a ratio that would be concerning for any built-up area. This increase may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced retail footfall or the post-holiday lull in tourism, which could contribute to a shift in crime patterns.