Haverfordwest Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 saw a dramatic 300% increase in criminal damage and arson offences in Haverfordwest, marking the most significant month-on-month swing in the built-up area's crime profile. The overall crime rate of 14.4 per 1,000 residents placed the area 92% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a stark contrast to national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 48.4% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (8.7%) and anti-social behaviour (8.2%). This pattern aligns with seasonal dynamics typical of coastal towns during spring, where Easter holidays and increased outdoor activity may contribute to higher incidents of public disorder. The area's proximity to Pembrokeshire's natural landscapes and tourism infrastructure likely amplifies exposure to anti-social behaviour, though this remains consistent with broader UK patterns for similar regions. Drug-related offences, at 479% above the UK average, suggest localised pressures that may be linked to transient populations or specific community challenges. While property crime rates remained relatively low compared to violent crime, the significant disparity between Haverfordwest and the UK average underscores the need for targeted local analysis.

The 300% surge in criminal damage and arson offences in April 2023 represents the most extreme month-on-month fluctuation recorded, rising from 4 incidents in March to 16. This spike, coupled with a 200% increase in theft from the person (from 1 to 3), indicates shifting patterns in criminal activity. Violent crime remains high, with rates 169% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Conversely, vehicle crime fell 78% below the UK average, a rare positive deviation that may reflect Haverfordwest's low density of car parks and garage facilities compared to urban centres. The 50% decline in 'other crime' incidents, from 8 to 4, suggests temporary resolution of minor offences, though this category's low base rate limits interpretation. Residents should note that 6 crimes were reported daily in April, with one crime occurring for every 70 residents over the month—a frequency that, while lower than some UK urban areas, remains significantly elevated for a coastal town of this size.

Haverfordwest's crime rate in April 2023 rose 16.4% from the previous month's 12.4 per 1,000, reflecting a steady upward trend in violent crime despite seasonal fluctuations. This increase translates to approximately 6 reported crimes per day, a figure that, while modest in absolute terms, represents a marked departure from the UK average. When scaled to the area's population of 12,798, the monthly exposure of 1 crime per 70 residents highlights the disproportionate impact on this relatively small community. Comparing to national benchmarks, Haverfordwest's violent crime rate is 169% above the UK average, a disparity that outpaces even larger urban centres with similar population densities. The daily crime count of 6—equivalent to 1.8 crimes per 100 residents—places the area in the upper quartile of UK built-up areas for violent crime intensity. This context is critical for residents assessing local safety, as the combination of low population density and high violent crime rates creates a unique risk profile not typically seen in more densely populated regions.