Fishguard Crime Rate

Fishguard's crime profile reveals a sharp rise in burglary, with a 160% year-on-year increase, despite an overall stable crime rate. The town's overall crime rate of 86.1 per 1,000 residents is 5.4% below the UK average, but this masks significant spikes in specific categories. 'Other crime' is 90% above the UK average, suggesting unclassified offences may be underreported or poorly understood. This contrast between overall safety and rising burglary rates highlights the need for targeted security measures.

Fishguard is a historic coastal town in Pembrokeshire, known for its maritime heritage and scenic coastal walks. Its built-up area includes residential zones, small businesses, and a mix of older and newer housing. The town's relatively low population density and strong community ties may contribute to lower property crime rates, though rising burglary figures suggest vulnerabilities in home security. Proximity to natural beauty spots and a seasonal tourist economy likely influence crime patterns, particularly in public spaces.

The most striking finding in Fishguard's crime data is the 90% increase in 'Other crime' compared to the UK average, with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect challenges in identifying or reporting less visible crimes. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (10.8 per 1,000) is 64% above the UK average, likely linked to the town's older housing stock and potential for vandalism in public areas. Despite this, shoplifting remains below the UK average (6.1 vs 7.5 per 1,000), possibly due to the absence of large retail hubs. The sharp rise in burglary (+160% YoY) suggests increased risk for homes, driven by temporary population shifts or gaps in local security measures.

Fishguard's overall crime rate has remained stable (-4.5% YoY), but this masks a dramatic 160% increase in burglary. The monthly trend shows a sharp peak in February 2026 (12.0 per 1,000/month), likely linked to winter isolation and reduced foot traffic in commercial areas. Other crime, at 3.8 per 1,000 (90% above UK average), has also risen by 18.2% YoY, suggesting a growing challenge in addressing unclassified offences. In contrast, anti-social behaviour has increased by 21.4% YoY, while shoplifting has risen by 10.5%, indicating shifting patterns in local crime dynamics.

How To Keep Safe in Fishguard

Residents should focus on securing properties against burglary, given the 160% YoY increase in this crime type. Install motion-sensor lighting around homes, especially in areas with low foot traffic. For 'Other crime' at 3.8 per 1,000 (90% above UK average), avoid leaving valuables visible from windows and consider community initiatives to address unclassified offences. Report suspicious activity through 101 promptly, and maintain strong locks on all entry points. Given the 64% above UK average rate for criminal damage and arson, avoid leaving garden tools or flammable materials in accessible areas.

Crime in Fishguard shows distinct patterns by time of day. Other crime, which is 90% above the UK average, peaks dramatically at night (58% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely reflecting reduced visibility and fewer residents present. Vehicle crime, though low overall (81% below UK average), spikes in the early morning (12% of incidents between 12am-6am), possibly linked to overnight parking in commercial zones. Theft and burglary are more common in the afternoon (20% and 27% respectively between 12pm-6pm), aligning with retail activity and commuter movements. The town's character as a coastal community with seasonal tourism may contribute to these temporal patterns, with increased foot traffic during the day and isolation at night.

Compared to nearby areas, Fishguard's crime rate of 86.1 per 1,000 is 138% higher than Newport (Pembrokeshire)'s 36.2 per 1,000, reflecting stark regional disparities. Goodwick, with a rate of 74.8 per 1,000, is 15% safer than Fishguard but still higher than the UK average. These differences likely stem from Newport's smaller population and more rural character, while Fishguard's coastal location and seasonal tourism may contribute to higher crime rates in certain categories.

For Fishguard households, where 'Other crime' is 90% above the UK average (3.8 vs 2.0 per 1,000), proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered perimeter monitoring can detect unusual activity near homes, triggering lights and speakers to deter intruders. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature helps identify stolen or cloned plates near properties, a critical tool given the 160% YoY rise in burglary. The system's ability to distinguish between genuine threats and routine activity reduces false alarms, making it a tailored solution for Fishguard's unique security challenges.