Monmouth Crime Rate

Monmouth's crime rate of 51.4 per 1,000 residents — 43.7% below the UK average — reflects a safer environment than most areas. This decline, down 40.6% year-on-year, is driven by a dramatic 73.2% drop in vehicle crime, likely due to improved street lighting and reduced traffic congestion. While public order crimes remain 12% above the UK average, the town's overall safety score of 85/100 underscores its appeal as a place to live.

Monmouth is a historic market town in Monmouthshire, blending rural charm with accessible amenities. Its compact built-up area includes retail hubs, residential zones, and proximity to natural attractions. The town's character — a mix of older properties, community-focused spaces, and seasonal tourism — influences its crime profile. Lower population density compared to cities, combined with local initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch, may contribute to its relatively low crime rates.

Monmouth's most surprising finding is that public order crimes — at 7.1 per 1,000 — are 12% above the UK average, despite a 18% year-on-year decline. This may reflect the town's vibrant market square and tourist activity, which can amplify minor disputes. Violence and sexual offences (16.9 per 1,000) are 48% below the UK average, likely due to Monmouth's lower population density and community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour (10.0 per 1,000) is also 32% below the UK average, possibly linked to effective local policing and the town's smaller scale. Shoplifting (7.2 per 1,000) remains 6% below the UK average, which may be attributed to the town's retail layout and fewer large stores compared to urban centres.

Crime in Monmouth has decreased by 40.6% year-on-year, with the most significant drop in vehicle crime (-73.2% YoY). This decline likely reflects seasonal factors, such as reduced traffic during winter months and improved street lighting. The peak in July 2025 (9.7 per 1,000) may correlate with increased tourism and outdoor activity, while the lowest crime rate in November 2025 (0.1 per 1,000) aligns with quieter winter months. Overall, the trend suggests a combination of seasonal patterns and effective local policing.

How To Keep Safe in Monmouth

Avoid isolated areas at night, as vehicle crime spikes during these hours. Use well-lit routes for evening walks and report suspicious activity promptly. For shoplifting concerns, avoid leaving valuables unattended in public spaces. Given that anti-social behaviour is 32% below the UK average, community engagement and local reporting tools like 101 can help maintain Monmouth's safety record.

Crime in Monmouth follows distinct daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (49% of afternoon crimes), aligning with retail activity and potential shoplifting opportunities. Vehicle crime spikes at night (24% of night crimes), possibly due to reduced street lighting in residential areas. Burglary is most common at night (19% of night crimes), which may reflect isolated properties or limited surveillance in rural outskirts. Morning crimes are dominated by theft (47%), potentially linked to early commuters or delivery workers. Evening activity shows a mix of theft (20%) and other crimes (57%), which may include public order issues around local pubs and entertainment venues.

Monmouth's crime rate of 51.4 per 1,000 is 43.7% below the UK average, indicating it is safer than most comparable areas. While no direct comparisons to nearby towns are available, its lower population density and community-focused policing likely contribute to its relatively low crime rates compared to larger urban centres.

Home security in Monmouth should prioritise vehicle crime prevention and burglary deterrence. scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification can flag stolen or cloned plates, addressing the 0.9 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate — 81% below the UK average. Proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring help reduce burglary risks, which are 67% below the UK average. Behavioural pattern learning minimises false alarms, ensuring residents feel secure without unnecessary alerts.