Monmouth Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 12,456, 58 crimes were recorded in Monmouth during August 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 42.0% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 37.9% of all reported incidents (22 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%, 12 cases) and public order offences (15.5%, 9 cases). The seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month aligns with patterns observed in similar historic market towns, where increased tourism and transient populations can influence crime dynamics. While violent crime rates remain lower than the UK average, public order offences slightly exceed the national benchmark by 17%, consistent with the area's character as a tourist destination with a mix of retail and leisure spaces. The relatively low property crime rate (23.1% of total crimes) suggests effective local policing strategies or environmental factors that deter burglary and vehicle crime, though August's empty homes during the summer holidays may have temporarily elevated burglary risks. This data illustrates a combination of seasonal visitor patterns and the town's established crime prevention measures.

August 2023 marked a significant 600% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 1 to 7 incidents. This sharp rise may be attributed to the influx of tourists during the peak holiday season, with retail areas potentially experiencing heightened opportunities for theft. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from 8 to 2 cases), likely reflecting reduced car usage in the area during August. Other theft also saw a substantial 66.7% decrease (from 9 to 3 cases), suggesting effective local crime prevention measures or seasonal factors reducing opportunities for such crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained 32% below the UK average (1.8 per 1,000 vs the national 2.6 per 1,000), a consistent trend for Monmouth despite the summer tourist season. However, public order offences slightly outperformed the UK average by 17% (0.7 vs 0.6 per 1,000), which may relate to the town's historic character and the challenges of managing crowds in its narrow streets during busy periods. The absence of any drug-related crimes in August (a 50% decrease from July) contrasts with the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, highlighting Monmouth's relatively drug-free environment compared to larger urban centres.

Compared to July 2023, the overall crime rate in Monmouth fell by 18.2% to 4.7 per 1,000 residents from 5.7 per 1,000, demonstrating a marked improvement in public safety over the preceding month. This decline translates to roughly 2 crimes per day in August, a figure that appears particularly low when considering the area's tourist attractions and historic character. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 215 residents, a ratio that suggests a relatively safe environment for local residents despite the summer influx of visitors. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 58 crimes recorded in August represent a manageable burden for a community of 12,456 people, with the majority of incidents concentrated in specific categories rather than being evenly distributed across all crime types. The comparison to the UK average further underscores Monmouth's position as a lower-risk area, with violent crime rates remaining significantly below national levels while maintaining a balanced approach to addressing public order challenges. These figures provide a clear snapshot of the area's crime profile, offering residents and visitors alike a sense of proportionality in assessing local safety.