Abergavenny Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 saw Abergavenny’s crime rate reach 9.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 29.6% above the UK average of 7.1. This marked a notable shift from the previous month, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominating the crime picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.9% of all reported crimes, while anti-social behaviour, though lower in overall rate than violent crime, rose sharply to 2.6 per 1,000 — a figure 148% above the UK average. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have influenced patterns. However, the disproportionate spike in anti-social behaviour defies expectations for this time of year. Abergavenny, as a historic market town with a compact built-up area, typically sees lower crime rates due to its smaller population and community-focused environment. Yet the current data suggests a divergence from that norm, with property crimes remaining relatively low but violent and disorderly incidents climbing. The town’s mix of residential and retail spaces, combined with its location in Monmouthshire, likely contributes to the balance of crime types. While shoplifting and burglary rates fell compared to previous months, the increase in anti-social behaviour and violence points to potential pressures within the community that warrant closer examination.

February 2024 brought stark shifts in Abergavenny’s crime profile, with anti-social behaviour surging by 122.2% — from 18 incidents in January to 40 in February. This jump, the most significant month-on-month change, contrasts with declines in burglary (-33.3%) and shoplifting (-28.6%). Violent crime, already above the UK average at 3.3 per 1,000, accounted for 35.9% of all crimes, a share higher than the UK’s 32% average for the same category. Meanwhile, theft from the person and bicycle theft both doubled compared to January, though these remain well below UK rates. The most unexpected trend, however, was the 148% increase in anti-social behaviour, which far outpaced other categories. This rise may reflect the impact of winter conditions on social interactions, with indoor spaces becoming focal points for disputes. The town’s 15,489 residents face a monthly exposure rate of 1 crime for every 109 people, a figure that, while manageable, highlights the need for targeted interventions. The data also shows a stark contrast between Abergavenny’s property crime rates and the UK average: shoplifting and vehicle crime fell significantly below national levels, suggesting that the town’s smaller scale and community oversight may deter such offences. However, the spike in anti-social behaviour and violence underscores a growing challenge for local authorities.

Abergavenny’s crime rate in February 2024 rose by 14.5% compared to January, climbing from 8.0 to 9.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in crime dynamics as the town moves from winter’s end into early spring. Daily crime activity averaged 5 incidents per day, a figure that, while lower than many UK urban centres, remains higher than the national average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 109 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Abergavenny in the upper half of UK built-up areas of similar size. The population context is critical here: with 15,489 residents, the town’s compact nature means that crime is more concentrated and potentially more visible to residents. This density may explain why anti-social behaviour and violence, though not the most frequent crime types, are elevated compared to the UK average. While property crime rates remain below national levels — shoplifting and burglary both underperform — the rise in violent and disorderly incidents suggests that Abergavenny’s unique social fabric, shaped by its history as a market town, is facing new pressures. The contrast between the town’s low property crime rates and its elevated violent crime figures highlights the need for tailored approaches that address both the physical and social dimensions of crime prevention.