Pembrokeshire Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

September 2024 marked a slight but measurable decline in Pembrokeshire's overall crime rate, which stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents—1.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, reflects a broader trend influenced by the seasonal rhythms of the area. As a coastal district with a mix of rural and urban characteristics, Pembrokeshire's crime profile often mirrors the interplay between tourism, seasonal events, and local demographics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.7% of all reported incidents, a stark contrast to the UK average where these crimes make up 34% of the total. This disparity may be partly explained by the area's proximity to educational institutions, which draw transient populations during the academic year. Criminal damage and arson also featured prominently, with 120 incidents reported—79% above the UK average. This could be attributed to the region's natural attractions, which may see increased vandalism during peak tourist seasons. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 31% compared to August, a drop that aligns with the start of the academic term and reduced public gatherings. The seasonal context of September—marked by back-to-school activities, university freshers' week, and the gradual shift to shorter evenings—likely contributed to these patterns. While violent crime remains a concern, the overall trend suggests that targeted interventions during transitional periods may help mitigate spikes in specific categories. The data also reveals a notable contrast in property crime rates, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both below the UK average. This could be linked to the area's relatively low population density and the presence of rural infrastructure that deters certain types of property crime. However, the persistent gap in violent crime rates relative to the UK average indicates that local authorities must continue to address underlying factors such as social cohesion and access to community services. As Pembrokeshire navigates the seasonal transition from summer to autumn, the crime statistics offer both a cautionary note and a roadmap for future public safety initiatives.

September 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends across Pembrokeshire, with some categories surging while others declined. Bicycle theft doubled from one to two incidents, a sharp rise that may reflect the influx of students and commuters returning to the area as the academic year begins. Concurrently, drug-related crimes increased by 41.7%, from 24 to 34 cases, a jump that could be linked to heightened social activity during the university freshers' period. Conversely, robbery fell by two-thirds, from three to one incident, due to reduced foot traffic in public spaces as nights grew shorter. Violent crimes, however, remained 34% above the UK average at 3.5 per 1,000, with 436 incidents reported—nearly half of all crimes. This suggests that while some areas of the crime profile are stabilising, others, particularly those involving interpersonal violence, remain a persistent concern. Residents may find the 31% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 113 to 78 cases, a welcome sign, though the continued prevalence of violent offences underscores the need for sustained community policing efforts.

Pembrokeshire's crime rate in September 2024 fell by 10.1% compared to August, marking a notable shift in local crime dynamics. With 955 crimes reported over 30 days, the area averaged 32 crimes per day—slightly below the UK-wide average. This translates to one reported crime for every 132 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the scale of criminal activity relative to the local population of 125,761. While the overall rate remains marginally lower than the UK average (7.6 vs 7.7 per 1,000), the distribution of crime types reveals distinct patterns. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 31% and robbery by two-thirds suggests a possible seasonal effect, as September's transition from summer to autumn may see reduced outdoor activity and social gatherings. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft and drug-related incidents indicates shifting priorities among offenders, potentially influenced by the start of the academic year and increased mobility in the area. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions that balance broad public safety measures with specific responses to emerging crime patterns.