Pembrokeshire Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

August 2024 saw Pembrokeshire's crime rate rise to 8.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.4% above the UK average of 8.2. This marks a slight increase from the previous month, though the overall rate remains relatively stable within the broader context of seasonal fluctuations. The most prominent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.5% of all reported incidents (473 cases), significantly higher than the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This spike aligns with the summer peak in tourism, which may contribute to increased tensions in public spaces and crowded areas. Criminal damage and arson also rose sharply, with 125 incidents recorded—61% above the UK average. This could reflect a combination of local factors, including the seasonal presence of temporary residents and the increased use of outdoor spaces during the long evenings of August. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average (37% below), remains a concern in areas with high foot traffic, such as coastal towns and popular tourist destinations. The seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month likely amplifies these patterns, with empty homes and increased visitor numbers creating new opportunities for criminal activity. However, the overall crime rate remains within a range consistent with Pembrokeshire’s historical trends, suggesting that while specific incidents may fluctuate, the broader picture of local crime remains relatively stable.

August 2024 brought unexpected shifts in Pembrokeshire’s crime profile, most a 200% increase in robbery cases, rising from one to three incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, stands out as an anomaly in a month typically associated with lower violent crime rates during the summer season. Concurrently, vehicle crime jumped by 125%, with 18 reported cases—up from eight in July. This may reflect increased traffic congestion in tourist areas or the presence of unsecured vehicles in coastal parking lots. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 66.7%, from three to one case, potentially linked to heightened awareness campaigns or the temporary absence of cyclists during the summer break. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, contributing 44.5% of all incidents and 41% above the UK average. This stark contrast to the UK norm suggests that Pembrokeshire’s urban centres, particularly those with high concentrations of transient populations, may face unique challenges in managing public safety during peak tourist periods. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained lower than the UK average (37% below), due to the area’s relatively low population density and the seasonal influx of visitors who may self-regulate their conduct in public spaces.

Pembrokeshire’s crime rate in August 2024 remained stable compared to July, with a negligible -0.5% decline from the previous month’s rate of 8.5 per 1,000. This suggests that the overall crime picture is not undergoing significant directional change, despite the notable spikes in specific categories. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 34 crimes per day, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the local burden of crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 118 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while modest, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity within the community. When contextualised by population, Pembrokeshire’s 125,761 residents experienced a crime rate that, while marginally above the UK average, remains within a range that aligns with the area’s mix of rural and coastal environments. The relatively low levels of property crime compared to the UK average (e.g. vehicle crime 78% below) may reflect the area’s lower population density and the absence of large urban centres that typically drive such offences. However, the elevated rates of violent crime and criminal damage highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where transient populations and seasonal dynamics intersect with local infrastructure.