Monmouthshire Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.1% of all crimes in Monmouthshire during May 2024, a rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This category was 2% above the UK average, despite the area’s overall crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 — 7.1% below the national figure of 8.4. The prevalence of violent crime contrasts with lower rates of shoplifting (22% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (36% below), suggesting a mix of local dynamics. Anti-social behaviour (17.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%) formed the next most common categories, with the latter 13% above the UK average. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as May’s longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising may have contributed to higher rates of violence and public order offences. The area’s relatively low property crime rate (32.3% of total crimes) compared to the UK suggests a different crime profile, linked to its rural character and lower population density. However, burglary — at 0.5 per 1,000 — was 61% above the UK average, hinting at vulnerabilities in specific locations. These patterns reflect a combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and community characteristics.

Month-on-month changes revealed notable shifts in specific crime categories. Theft from the person saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 1 incident, while drugs-related offences rose by 37.5% (8 to 11). Other theft also climbed by 26.2% (42 to 53). Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 66.7% (3 to 1), and bicycle theft dropped by 50% (4 to 2). The crime mix shifted slightly toward violent offences, which now account for 37.1% of total crimes — 2% above the UK average — compared to 27.6% in April. Burglary, at 6.3% of total crimes, remains significantly above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), though the overall property crime rate (32.3%) is lower than the UK’s 38.4%. For residents, the 100% increase in theft from the person may be a practical concern, highlighting the need for vigilance in public spaces. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in possession of weapons could indicate improved community policing efforts or seasonal factors reducing illicit activity.

Monmouthshire’s crime rate in May 2024 rose 8.7% compared to April’s 7.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that may seem high to residents but is contextually modest given the local population of 94,930. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 128 residents — a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in several categories but higher in others, such as burglary. This rate is also lower than the national average for shoplifting (22% below) and vehicle crime (36% below), which may be attributed to Monmouthshire’s rural landscape and limited urban centres. However, the 61% increase in burglary compared to the UK average suggests specific vulnerabilities, tied to isolated properties or seasonal fluctuations in crime patterns. When viewed alongside the 8.7% monthly increase, these figures illustrate a nuanced picture where local factors — such as the area’s geography and seasonal socialising — interact with broader national trends to shape the crime profile.