Haverfordwest Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Haverfordwest’s crime rate in September 2024 stood at 18.7 per 1,000 residents, more than double the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This stark disparity positions the area as one of the most crime-affected regions in the country, with violence and sexual offences dominating the crime mix at 35.2% of total incidents. The prevalence of property crimes—accounting for 47.3% of reported incidents—reflects a combination of factors, including the town’s role as a tourist destination and its proximity to major transport routes. Seasonal dynamics in September, such as the return of students to educational institutions and the onset of darker evenings, may have contributed to an increase in late-night incidents. Violence and sexual offences, which are 152% above the UK average, likely reflect a mix of local demographics and the impact of transient populations. Similarly, criminal damage and arson, 382% above the national average, may be tied to the town’s historic architecture and the challenges of maintaining public spaces. Shoplifting, at 238% above the UK average, points to the influence of retail hubs in the area. While these figures paint a concerning picture, they also highlight the need for targeted policing and community engagement to address the root causes of such high rates. The seasonal context of September—marked by back-to-school activity and the transition into darker evenings—may exacerbate these trends, suggesting that local authorities should consider enhanced patrols and public awareness campaigns to mitigate risks.

September 2024 marked a sharp increase in drug-related crimes, which rose by 225% compared to the previous month. This surge, from 4 to 13 incidents, suggests a potential uptick in illicit activity that may be linked to the back-to-school season or increased foot traffic in the area. Concurrently, other crime categories saw notable rises: 'other crime' increased by 150%, and bicycle theft doubled, indicating possible vulnerabilities in unsecured property or underreported incidents. These figures contrast with declines in anti-social behaviour (-42.4%) and criminal damage and arson (-20.5%), which may reflect seasonal shifts or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.2% of total crimes, and are 152% above the UK average. This disparity underscores the area’s unique challenges, with local factors such as nightlife activity or transient populations likely contributing. Residents should be particularly cautious regarding drug-related crimes, which have surged to levels unseen in recent months, and consider reporting suspicious activity promptly.

September 2024 saw a 7.0% decrease in Haverfordwest’s crime rate compared to the previous month, falling from 20.1 to 18.7 per 1,000 residents. While this marks a slight improvement, the overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day in September, a figure that underscores the persistent pressure on local resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 54 residents, a statistic that highlights the scale of exposure for individuals living in the area. This monthly exposure rate is particularly noteworthy when compared to the UK average, though no direct comparison is available due to the lack of aggregated UK data. The population context further illustrates the challenge: with 12,798 residents, even a modest crime rate translates to a considerable number of incidents. While the decline from August is welcome, the continued elevation above national standards suggests that systemic factors—such as the area’s proximity to tourist routes or its role as a regional hub—may be contributing to sustained high rates. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly as seasonal transitions and back-to-school activity could influence local crime patterns in the coming months.