Monmouth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

September 2024 saw Monmouth's crime rate at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, 1.3% below the UK average of 7.7. The most striking anomaly was the complete reversal of bicycle theft, which jumped from zero to one incident—a 100% increase. This followed a summer with no recorded bicycle thefts, suggesting a sudden shift in local patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 41 cases (43.6% of total crimes), significantly above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Shoplifting also rose sharply to 16 incidents (17.0% of total crimes), 91% above the UK rate of 0.7 per 1,000. These spikes contrast with declines in anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which fell by 23.1% and 33.3% respectively. The seasonal transition to autumn, with back-to-school and university freshers' week, likely contributed to increased foot traffic in town centres, creating opportunities for retail crime. However, the absence of a major event or known disruption suggests these patterns may reflect routine activity rather than a specific incident. The area's character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and retail zones may explain the balance between property and violent crime, though the sudden rise in bicycle theft remains unexplained without further data.

September 2024 witnessed unprecedented spikes in bicycle theft and possession of weapons, both increasing by 100% from zero to one incident. This marks the first recorded cases of these crimes in the month, raising questions about local factors such as increased cycling during the autumn term or unexplained shifts in behaviour. Meanwhile, violent crime remained high, with 41 incidents (3.3 per 1,000) placing Monmouth 26% above the UK average for this category. The sharp decline in anti-social behaviour—down 23.1% to 10 incidents—may reflect the start of the academic term, with students returning to structured routines. Public order offences also fell by 33.3% to eight cases, though this remains 7% above the UK average. Shoplifting surged to 16 cases, 91% above the national rate, likely driven by the town centre's retail presence and increased pedestrian activity during the freshers' period. Residents concerned about personal safety may find the 1.3% reduction in overall crime rate reassuring, though the specific rises in certain categories warrant local attention.

Monmouth's September 2024 crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents represents a 6.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.1. This translates to an average of three crimes reported daily, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 133 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Monmouth slightly below the UK average in overall crime but with stark variations in specific categories. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the town's crime rate is marginally better than the UK's, the disproportionate rise in violent and retail crime highlights local vulnerabilities. The 1.3% difference from the national average is statistically minor, but the 26% gap in violent crime and 91% gap in shoplifting suggest targeted challenges. For context, the daily crime rate of three incidents—equivalent to a crime every 8 hours—may seem low to some, though the concentrated nature of certain offences could still impact quality of life. This comparison underscores the need for nuanced interpretation, as Monmouth's crime profile differs significantly from the UK average in key areas despite the overall similarity in aggregate rates.