Haverfordwest Crime Rate

Haverfordwest's crime rate of 178.4 per 1,000 residents is nearly double the UK average, with violence and sexual offences leading at 83.9 per 1,000. This stark contrast to nearby Hook (Pembrokeshire), which has a rate of 24.5 per 1,000, highlights the town's unique challenges. While property crime is 47.7% above the UK average, vehicle crime remains notably lower, suggesting differences in local demographics and infrastructure.

Haverfordwest is a market town in Pembrokeshire, blending residential areas with historic landmarks and retail hubs. Its compact built-up area and mix of local businesses and public spaces may contribute to higher rates of public order and anti-social behaviour. The town's proximity to natural attractions could also influence seasonal crime patterns, though its lower vehicle crime rate suggests limited commuter traffic compared to larger urban centres.

Haverfordwest's most striking disparity is its violence and sexual offences rate of 83.9 per 1,000, 161% above the UK average. This likely reflects the town's social dynamics, including higher youth populations or concentrated nightlife activity. Public order crimes, 17.1 per 1,000 (172% above UK), may be linked to the town's market square and local events. Anti-social behaviour, while falling (-15.6% YoY), remains 9% above the UK average, possibly due to limited community engagement opportunities. Notably, vehicle crime is 59% below the UK average, suggesting lower commuter traffic or effective local deterrents. The sharp rise in possession of weapons (+92.3% YoY) requires further investigation but may correlate with seasonal factors or unaddressed local tensions.

Crime in Haverfordwest has increased by 9.2% year-on-year, with possession of weapons surging 92.3% and violence crimes rising 25.6%. This follows a seasonal pattern, peaking in June (19.7 per 1,000) and troughing in December (12.3 per 1,000). The sharp rise in weapon possession may relate to summer-related incidents or unaddressed local tensions. While shoplifting fell 29% YoY, anti-social behaviour dropped 15.6%, suggesting some success in community initiatives. However, the overall upward trend indicates persistent challenges in crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Haverfordwest

Avoid isolated areas at night, as burglary peaks between midnight and 6am (22% of cases). Use well-lit routes for evening walks, given the 17.1 per 1,000 rate of public order crimes. Secure vehicles with alarms, as vehicle crime (1.9 per 1,000) is a growing concern despite being below the UK average. For families, consider home security systems to counter the 49% higher burglary rate. Stay aware of local events, as public order crimes spike during gatherings.

Crime in Haverfordwest follows distinct patterns: theft peaks in the afternoon (49% of cases), aligning with retail activity and potential shoplifting opportunities. Burglary rises sharply at night (22% of cases), likely tied to isolated properties or unmonitored areas. Evening hours see a 61% spike in 'other' crimes, possibly linked to late-night social gatherings. Vehicle crime, though low overall, increases slightly overnight (13%), suggesting targeted thefts in parking areas. These patterns reflect the town's daily rhythms, with commercial activity driving daytime theft and unlit streets contributing to night-time burglaries.

Compared to nearby areas, Haverfordwest's 178.4 per 1,000 crime rate is 101% higher than Merlin's Bridge and 628% higher than Hook (Pembrokeshire). This stark contrast may reflect Hook's rural character and lower population density, while Merlin's Bridge's higher rate (88.8) suggests similar urban challenges. Haverfordwest's compact built-up area likely contributes to its elevated crime profile compared to more spread-out communities.

For Haverfordwest residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection can help deter burglaries, which are 49% above the UK average. Its vehicle registration verification feature may also address the 59% lower vehicle crime rate by identifying suspicious vehicles near homes. Given the 161% higher rate of violence and sexual offences, scOS's real-time alerts and autonomous deterrence could provide critical early warnings for households. The system's ability to distinguish regular activity from threats may reduce false alarms in areas with high anti-social behaviour (16.1 per 1,000).