Haverfordwest Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Haverfordwest's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 12.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 82.4% above the UK average of 6.8. This stark contrast highlights a significant divergence from national trends, with local factors likely contributing to the disparity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44% of all crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (12%) and shoplifting (10.7%). These figures suggest a concentration of incidents in public spaces and residential areas, potentially influenced by seasonal dynamics. January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may reduce opportunities for certain crimes but could also exacerbate tensions in tightly knit communities. The dominance of violent crime over property crime marks a notable shift from other UK regions, where property offences often outnumber violent incidents. This imbalance may reflect local demographics, such as a higher proportion of younger residents or transient populations, though such assumptions require further data validation. The absence of significant burglary or vehicle crime—both below UK averages—suggests that targeted security measures in residential and commercial areas may be effective, or that the area's geography (a coastal town with limited high-density housing) naturally limits these crime types. Seasonal context adds nuance: post-holiday periods often see spikes in alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour, which aligns with the 12% share of anti-social behaviour reports. However, the 171% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to December raises questions about unseasonal factors, such as disputes over property or environmental issues. These patterns underscore the need for tailored policing strategies that address both persistent and emerging threats.

January 2026 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 171.4% compared to December, reflecting a sharp rise from 7 to 19 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 100% increase in theft from the person (from 0 to 2 cases), indicates a potential shift in criminal activity patterns during the post-holiday period. Conversely, burglary dropped by 83.3% (from 6 to 1 case), and vehicle crime fell by 66.7%, suggesting that targeted interventions or seasonal factors may have curbed these types. The violent crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents—120% above the UK average—remains a critical concern, with 70 incidents accounting for over a third of all crimes. This violent crime dominance, unlike the UK's broader mix of property and violent offences, may relate to Haverfordwest's character as a coastal town with transient populations and limited commercial hubs. Anti-social behaviour, though only 18% above the UK average, still constitutes 8.8% of all crimes, linked to the area's compact built-up environment where disputes escalate quickly. Residents should be particularly aware of the 171% rise in criminal damage and arson, which could indicate arson-related disputes or vandalism during the quieter winter months. These figures contrast with the UK's broader trends, where property crime typically dominates, highlighting the need for localized policing strategies that address Haverfordwest's unique crime profile.

Haverfordwest's crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 was a 1.2% increase from December's 12.3, indicating stability in overall crime levels despite fluctuations in specific categories. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while low in absolute terms, translates to a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 80 residents. This ratio, though modest, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a community of 12,798 people. Comparing this to the UK average, Haverfordwest's rate is more than double, emphasizing the area's distinct challenges. The population context reveals that the crime burden is unevenly distributed: while violent crime dominates, property-related offences remain relatively low, with burglary and vehicle crime both below UK averages. This contrast may reflect the area's geography as a coastal town with limited high-density housing and fewer commercial zones that attract property crime. The stability in the overall rate despite sharp increases in certain categories suggests that broader crime prevention efforts—such as community policing or environmental design—may be mitigating risks in other areas. However, the 171% rise in criminal damage and arson raises concerns about unaddressed local tensions, which could have long-term implications for community safety. Residents should be mindful of these figures when assessing their personal risk, particularly in light of the seasonal context, which typically sees reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor conflicts.