Haverfordwest Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour remains the dominant crime category in Haverfordwest, accounting for 36% of all reported incidents in May 2023. This category, which includes noise disputes, vandalism, and public intoxication, rose sharply by 80% compared to April, potentially linked to the extended evenings and bank holidays typical of the month. While the overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents is 26.2% below the UK average of 8.0, the local profile shows distinct patterns. Violent crimes, including assault and sexual offences, accounted for 33.3% of all incidents, reflecting the area's urban character and the social dynamics of a coastal town with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Property crimes, though lower than the UK average for shoplifting (22% above) and other theft (32% below), highlight the need for continued focus on retail security in the town centre. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings, increased outdoor socialising, and the May bank holiday—likely contributes to the surge in anti-social behaviour, as community spaces become more crowded and alcohol consumption rises in public areas. This pattern is consistent with other coastal towns where similar seasonal fluctuations occur, though Haverfordwest's lower overall crime rate suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies are in place.

Anti-social behaviour saw an 80% month-on-month increase, jumping from 15 to 27 incidents, a shift that may reflect the impact of extended daylight and increased social activity during May. This category's rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents is 58% above the UK average, underscoring a local challenge in managing public order. Conversely, violent crimes fell by 71.9% compared to April, dropping from 89 to 25 incidents—a stark contrast that may indicate successful interventions or seasonal factors reducing direct confrontations. The sharp decline in criminal damage and arson (-81.3%) and drugs offences (-78.6%) suggests a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during the month. The town's violent crime rate of 2.0 per 1,000 is 28% below the UK average, highlighting the effectiveness of local policing in addressing serious offences. For residents, the 80% rise in anti-social behaviour is a key data point to consider when planning community events or managing local spaces.

The crime rate in May 2023 fell by 59.2% compared to the previous month's rate of 14.4 per 1,000, marking a significant improvement in local safety. This reduction is evident in both violent and property crime categories, though anti-social behaviour remains a persistent concern. On a daily basis, Haverfordwest experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in May, a figure that, while low, reflects the town's smaller population and the impact of targeted policing efforts. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 171 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable UK towns. This statistic, when considered alongside the 26.2% gap between Haverfordwest's rate and the UK average, illustrates the effectiveness of local strategies in maintaining public safety. The population context—Haverfordwest's 12,798 residents—further emphasizes how the town's size and community-focused approach may contribute to its lower crime rates, despite the seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour. These figures suggest that while the area faces specific challenges, its overall crime management is performing well relative to national benchmarks.