Haverfordwest Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 in Haverfordwest revealed a crime profile starkly divergent from UK averages, with violent crimes dominating the landscape. At 14.8 per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate was 108.5% above the national average, a figure that defies typical expectations for a coastal town in Wales. Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly half of all incidents, far exceeding the UK average by 185%, while anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also showed marked disparities. This pattern suggests a unique confluence of local factors, including the town’s role as a regional hub for services and its seasonal dynamics during December. The month’s dark evenings and holiday-related absences may have contributed to increased opportunities for property crimes, though the absence of a significant rise in burglary or vehicle crime complicates this narrative. Meanwhile, the sharp increase in bicycle theft—rising from zero to one incident—poses a puzzling anomaly, potentially linked to temporary disruptions in local infrastructure or unseasonal behaviour. Haverfordwest’s experience underscores the complexity of crime patterns in smaller built-up areas, where localised pressures can amplify or mitigate broader trends. The contrast with UK averages highlights the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention, particularly in addressing the overrepresentation of violent crimes and the unexpected spikes in specific categories.

December 2024 marked a 100% surge in bicycle theft, rising from zero to one incident—a stark anomaly in an area where such crimes are typically rare. This spike, coupled with a 100% increase in theft from the person, contrasts sharply with an 80% drop in vehicle crime, likely reflecting seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Violent crimes, which account for nearly half of all incidents, remain 185% above the UK average, a figure that challenges assumptions about rural crime profiles. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also exceed UK rates by over 80%, suggesting a combination of local demographics and festive pressures. The most significant decline—vehicle crime falling by 80%—may be linked to reduced traffic during the holiday season. These fluctuations highlight the need for real-time monitoring of crime patterns in Haverfordwest.

December 2024 saw Haverfordwest’s crime rate drop by 14.1% compared to November, falling from 17.2 to 14.8 per 1,000 residents. While the overall rate remains significantly above the UK average, this month-on-month decline suggests a temporary moderation in criminal activity. Locally, the average of 6 crimes per day over the month translates to roughly one reported crime for every 68 residents—a figure that highlights the density of incidents within the built-up area. This monthly exposure, though stark, is consistent with seasonal patterns observed in coastal towns during winter, where reduced tourism and holiday-related absences may temporarily lower opportunities for certain crimes. However, the population-scaled perspective reveals that Haverfordwest’s crime rate is high relative to its size, with violent crimes alone accounting for nearly half of all incidents. This contrast with the UK average underscores the need for targeted local strategies, even as the overall rate shows a slight downward trend.