Pembrokeshire Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw Pembrokeshire record 810 crimes at a rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents, 11.1% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.8% of all incidents — a category that sits 15% above the UK average. This spike in violent crime may be linked to the festive season, with dark evenings, increased social gatherings, and the logistical challenges of Christmas shopping potentially contributing to heightened tensions. Criminal damage and arson followed at 11.6% of total crimes, with rates 43% above the UK average, reflecting the seasonal vulnerability of unoccupied properties during the holiday period. Anti-social behaviour, while declining by 15% compared to November, remained a persistent issue, though its rate was 25% below the UK average. The seasonal context of December — a time of heightened retail activity, empty homes, and prolonged darkness — likely influences both property and violent crime trends. The area's coastal and rural character may also play a role, with isolated communities experiencing different patterns of criminal activity compared to urban centres. While Pembrokeshire's overall crime rate remains below the UK average, specific categories such as weapon possession and violent crime show significant deviations that warrant closer attention.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in December 2023 was a 400% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 2 to 10 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a sharp shift in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, accounting for 46.8% of all crimes, significantly above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 residents. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 15%, dropping from 100 to 85 incidents — a decline that may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced public gatherings during the holiday period. Theft from the person also saw a 100% increase, rising from 1 to 2 incidents, though this category remains well below the UK average. The contrast between rising weapon possession and falling anti-social behaviour illustrates a combination of local dynamics during the festive season.

Pembrokeshire's crime rate in December 2023 rose 4.0% compared to November's 6.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend. On average, 26 crimes were reported daily in the area during December — a figure that contextualises the local burden of crime without UK-wide comparison. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 155 residents, a monthly aggregate that reflects the density of incidents in a population of 125,761. This rate, while lower than the UK average, suggests a moderate level of criminal activity relative to the local population. The increase in violent crime and specific spikes in weapon possession contrast with declines in anti-social behaviour and theft from the person, illustrating a shifting pattern in criminal activity. The population context highlights that while Pembrokeshire remains below the UK average, its crime profile shows distinct variations in specific categories.