Haverfordwest Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 in Haverfordwest revealed a dramatic and unexpected surge in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 1 to 5 cases—a 400% increase that stands out as the most surprising finding. This category, which includes unclassified offences, highlights a gap in understanding the full scope of criminal activity. The overall crime rate of 16.0 per 1,000 residents placed the area 122.2% above the UK average of 7.2, a gap that persisted despite seasonal variations. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 40.5% of all incidents and reaching 6.5 per 1,000 (148% above UK levels), a figure consistent with Haverfordwest’s role as a built-up area within Pembrokeshire. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also far exceeded UK averages, suggesting that social tensions and property-related conflicts may be exacerbated during the winter months. December’s context—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the temporary absence of residents during holidays—likely contributed to these patterns. The contrast with the UK average underscores Haverfordwest’s unique position as a coastal town with a compact built-up area, where population density and local dynamics may amplify both the visibility and incidence of certain crimes. The sharp rise in 'other crime' incidents, however, remains unexplained by the data, requiring further investigation into the specific nature of these offences and their local triggers.

The most striking change in December 2023 was a 400% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 1 to 5 cases. This category, which includes unclassified or lesser-known offences, saw an unprecedented surge, though its exact nature remains unspecified in the data. Concurrently, public order offences rose by 70% (10 to 17), likely linked to seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and the impact of dark evenings on community interactions. In contrast, other theft fell by 15.8% (19 to 16), possibly reflecting reduced retail activity during the festive period or increased security measures. Violent crime and anti-social behaviour remained significantly above UK averages, with violence and sexual offences at 6.5 per 1,000 (148% above UK levels) and anti-social behaviour at 2.0 per 1,000 (115% above). These figures suggest that Haverfordwest’s social fabric may be under strain during winter months, when community cohesion and visibility are reduced. Vehicle crime was 11% below the UK average, a minor but consistent deviation that may indicate effective local policing or fewer opportunities for such crimes in the built-up area.

December 2023 marked a 29.0% increase in Haverfordwest’s crime rate compared to November, rising from 12.4 to 16.0 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 122.2% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a gap that remains stark despite seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, 7 crimes were reported over the 31 days, translating to roughly one crime for every 62 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the frequency of incidents in a compact built-up area where population density and local dynamics may amplify reporting rates. While the UK provides no daily crime comparison, the local context suggests that concentrated activity in Haverfordwest’s core areas—such as the town centre and surrounding residential zones—may contribute to higher visibility of crimes compared to more dispersed rural or suburban settings. The increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, combined with a sharp rise in 'other crime' incidents, underscores the need for targeted local responses to address these trends.