Abergavenny Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Abergavenny, the crime rate in December 2023 translates to a 1-in-136 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. At 7.4 per 1,000, the area’s overall crime rate sits 2.8% above the UK average, a marginal difference but one that reflects local patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (42.1% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (24.6%) and public order offences (10.5%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December: dark evenings, heightened social activity during the festive period, and the peak of Christmas shopping. The prevalence of violent crime, 18% above the UK average, may partly explain the higher overall rate, as crowded retail areas and increased alcohol consumption during the holidays can amplify interpersonal conflicts. Anti-social behaviour, high at 94% above the UK average, likely stems from the combination of festive gatherings and the town’s character as a market town with a historic core. While property crimes (26 incidents) were relatively low, the seasonal context of empty homes over the holidays may have contributed to a 67% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average. This data illustrates how local factors—such as Abergavenny’s mix of historic and modern retail spaces—can shape crime trends, even as broader national patterns provide a baseline for comparison.

December 2023 saw a 75% increase in shoplifting, rising from 4 to 7 incidents, likely driven by the surge in Christmas shopping activity. This spike contrasts with an 80% drop in burglary, which fell from 5 to 1, possibly due to fewer homes being unoccupied during the festive season. Vehicle crime also rose sharply by 100%, jumping from 1 to 2 incidents, though this remains significantly below the UK average (78% lower). The most alarming disparity is in anti-social behaviour, which was 94% above the UK average, with 28 incidents reported. This category often includes disturbances in public spaces, a concern amplified by the town’s historic high street and increased foot traffic during December. Violent crimes, at 48 incidents, were 18% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the clustering of social interactions in Abergavenny’s central areas. The 100% increase in robbery—rising from 0 to 1 incident—highlights the potential for isolated but impactful events during the holiday period. These shifts in crime mix underscore the need for residents to remain vigilant, particularly in retail and public spaces, as the festive season brings both economic activity and heightened risks.

Compared to November 2023, Abergavenny’s crime rate fell by 8.8%, dropping from 8.1 to 7.4 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, suggests that efforts to manage festive-period crime may have had some impact. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents during peak shopping hours and evenings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 136 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for the likelihood of encountering crime in daily life. This rate is comparable to other small market towns in Wales, where seasonal fluctuations are common. The population context is critical: with 15,489 residents, Abergavenny’s relatively low overall crime rate (7.4 per 1,000) places it in the lower half of UK towns by this metric. However, the significant disparities in specific categories—such as anti-social behaviour and violence—highlight the need for targeted measures. For instance, the 94% gap between Abergavenny’s anti-social behaviour rate and the UK average (0.9 per 1,000) indicates a local challenge that may require community engagement strategies. These comparisons illustrate how Abergavenny’s unique character—as a historic market town with a seasonal economy—shapes its crime profile in ways distinct from larger urban or rural areas.