Pembrokeshire Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Pembrokeshire's crime rate in May 2023 remained significantly lower than the UK average, at 2.9 crimes per 1,000 residents—63.7% below the national rate of 8.0. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (33.3%). These figures reflect a persistent trend in the area, where violent crime rates are 60% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour is 25% below the national benchmark. The coastal nature of Pembrokeshire, with its mix of rural landscapes and tourist attractions, may partly explain the lower incidence of property crimes compared to urban centres. However, the seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—may have contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour, as seen in other coastal areas during similar periods. While the overall crime rate remains low, the shift in crime patterns underscores the need for continued vigilance in public spaces during peak social hours. The data also highlights Pembrokeshire's success in maintaining a safer environment, particularly in reducing vehicle crime and burglary, which are both 100% below UK averages. This may be attributed to the area's lower population density and strong community policing efforts, though these factors remain speculative without further analysis.

May 2023 saw a sharp 34.8% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 89 to 120 incidents. This surge, which occurred despite an overall decline in total crimes (down 62.5% from April's rate of 7.6 per 1,000), suggests a shift in criminal activity toward public spaces. The drop in vehicle crime (from 18 to 2 incidents, an 88.9% decrease) and burglary (from 22 to 4, an 81.8% decline) contrasts starkly with the rise in anti-social behaviour, indicating a possible reallocation of criminal activity as seasonal factors change. Pembrokeshire's violent crime rate of 1.1 per 1,000 remains 60% below the UK average, a figure that has been consistently lower than the national rate for years. Residents should be particularly aware of the increase in anti-social behaviour, which is now the second-most common crime type in the area. The breakdown also reveals that theft from the person, shoplifting, and other theft are all 80–100% below UK averages, likely due to the area's lower foot traffic and tourist density compared to major urban centres.

Compared to April 2023, Pembrokeshire's crime rate fell by 62.5%, dropping from 7.6 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents—a significant decline that highlights the area's ongoing success in reducing criminal activity. On a daily basis, 12 crimes were reported in May, averaging roughly one incident every 10.5 hours. This figure, while low, is concentrated in specific categories, with anti-social behaviour and violence accounting for over 70% of all reported crimes. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 349 residents suggests that most residents are unlikely to experience direct victimisation, though the concentration of violent and anti-social crimes may create pockets of heightened risk in certain areas. The stark contrast with the UK average—where Pembrokeshire's rate is 63.7% lower—underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies, though it also raises questions about the unique characteristics of the area. As a coastal district with a mix of rural and semi-urban environments, Pembrokeshire's crime profile differs significantly from densely populated cities, where property crimes and theft from the person are more common. This comparison reinforces the idea that crime prevention in Pembrokeshire may benefit from tailored approaches that address the specific dynamics of its communities.