Monmouth Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Monmouth's August 2024 crime statistics reveal a total of 88 reported incidents, equating to one crime for every 142 residents over the course of the month. With a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 13.4% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting Monmouth's character as a historic, low-density built-up area within Monmouthshire. The breakdown of crimes shows a clear dominance of violent offences, with 35 cases of violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly 40% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (13 cases) and shoplifting (12 cases), both of which highlight the interplay between local demographics and seasonal factors. The peak holiday season in August likely contributed to increased shoplifting and public order offences, as the influx of tourists and the temporary absence of some residents during summer breaks may have created opportunities for opportunistic crimes. However, the UK average for violence and sexual offences was 2.7 per 1,000, meaning Monmouth's rate is 4% above the national benchmark—a nuanced contrast to the area's overall safety profile. The seasonal context also aligns with the 100% increase in criminal damage and arson, which may have been influenced by the increased number of empty homes during the summer months, a pattern observed in other tourist destinations. While the crime rate remains below the UK average, the spike in violent crimes underscores the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and local residents alike.

August 2024 saw a 66.7% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 21 to 35 cases. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 0 to 7), highlights shifting crime dynamics during the peak holiday season. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 38.1%, from 21 to 13 cases, a trend consistent with the seasonal reduction in foot traffic during August. Shoplifting remained 41% above the UK average, with 12 incidents recorded—double the national rate. The 100% increase in drug-related crimes, from 0 to 2 cases, raises questions about local enforcement challenges. Meanwhile, other thefts fell by 40%, from 10 to 6 cases, suggesting potential improvements in retail security measures or a temporary dip in opportunistic crime.

Monmouth's crime rate in August 2024 rose by 10.0% compared to July's 6.4 per 1,000, reaching 7.1 per 1,000. This increase, while modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during the peak holiday season. On average, 3 crimes were reported daily in August, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a town with a population of 12,456. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 142 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents despite the seasonal influx of visitors. This monthly exposure rate, when compared to the UK average, underscores Monmouth's position as a safer area, with crime rates consistently below the national benchmark. The population context further illustrates that even with the 88 total crimes recorded, the per capita impact remains minimal, aligning with the town's character as a historic, low-density built-up area within Monmouthshire.