Monmouthshire Crime Rate

Monmouthshire is a highly secure local authority area with a safety score of 86/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate stands at 63.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is remarkably low compared to the national average of 93.1. Encouragingly, crime in Monmouthshire has decreased by 19.0% over the past 12 months, trending in a very positive direction for the community. Property crime is also significantly lower than the UK average, making Monmouthshire one of the safer regions in the country. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and safety advice to help residents and businesses understand and maintain this secure environment.

About Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire is a largely rural and picturesque county in South East Wales, known for its stunning landscapes, historic market towns, and high quality of life. The area is characterised by a mix of agricultural land, tourism-driven towns like Abergavenny and Monmouth, and strategic transport links such as the M4 and A449 corridors. These road networks connect Monmouthshire to major urban centres like Bristol, Cardiff, and the West Midlands, which supports the local economy but also influences the patterns of property-related crime. The county's population of approximately 95,000 is spread across several historic settlements and smaller villages, creating a unique demographic of established residents and visitors. Economic factors such as tourism and the county's role as a commuter hub contribute to its profile, with market town centres experiencing different crime pressures than the more isolated rural communities. These factors together shape the local safety landscape, where violence and anti-social behaviour remain the primary focus for law enforcement within an overall low-crime environment.

Crime in Monmouthshire

The crime profile of Monmouthshire is primarily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.5% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 18.0%, followed by public order offences at 10.1%. Collectively, property-related crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle offences—occurs at a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary, in particular, makes up only 4.0% of the total crime in the county. However, shoplifting and other theft collectively represent 15.4% of reports, highlighting that commercial theft in market towns is a persistent issue. For homeowners, the low burglary rate is encouraging, but the overall volume of property-related incidents still warrants effective deterrents.

Crime Trends in Monmouthshire

The crime rate in Monmouthshire has decreased significantly by 19.0% over the past 12 months. Monthly data shows that the rate was highest in July 2025 at 7.8 per 1,000 people, followed by 7.3 in August. For the rest of the year, the rate fluctuated between 5.4 and 6.8 per 1,000. This strong downward trend is a very positive sign for the local community, indicating that safety measures and law enforcement are having a beneficial impact on the county's security environment. For residents, this consistent reduction is a reassuring sign that Monmouthshire is becoming an even safer place to live.

Monmouthshire's safety profile is very positive when viewed in a regional context. Its crime rate of 63.9 per 1,000 people is significantly lower than that of neighbouring Torfaen, which stands at 103.1. While specific comparative data for other nearby areas like Newport, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly was not available for this period, Monmouthshire is consistently safer than the UK average. Its strong downward trend in crime suggests that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are highly effective, making it a top-tier choice for those seeking a secure residential area in South East Wales.

With a property crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents, Monmouthshire is a safe area, but its rural properties and affluent market towns mean that homes and vehicles can still be targets for opportunistic crime. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is a superior strategy. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundary and can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious intruder. If an unknown person enters your property at night, the system can autonomously activate lights or audible warnings, deterring the threat before they reach your home. This proactive approach is particularly effective in maintaining the low burglary and theft rates that Monmouthshire residents currently enjoy. Integrating scOS into your home security provides a professional-grade defence that actively works to keep your property safe.

How To Keep Safe in Monmouthshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type across the Monmouthshire local authority area, often occurring in social or domestic settings. To enhance your personal safety, consider the following regional advice:

1. When out in town centres like Abergavenny, Monmouth, or Chepstow, especially at night, stay with friends and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Report any persistent anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood to the local council or police to help them target their resources effectively.
3. Ensure your home is secure by using high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing a smart security system for added peace of mind.
4. If you are walking alone after dark, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid isolated areas like unlit footpaths or parks.
5. Be a proactive neighbour; join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and share safety tips with your community.