Merlin's Bridge Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Merlin's Bridge, Pembrokeshire, paint a picture of a community experiencing a concerning level of criminal activity. With an annual crime rate of 87.0 per 1,000 residents, the area’s safety score of 75/100 places it slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 and 79/100 respectively. The most pressing issue is the escalating trend of violence and sexual offences, which have increased significantly over the reporting period. This trend, combined with other offences such as public order incidents and other theft, highlights a need for increased vigilance and community support. Understanding these statistics is crucial for residents to make informed decisions about their personal safety and to engage with local authorities to address these concerns.

Crime statistics for Merlin's Bridge reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent at 120 recorded incidents. This represents 62.2% of all reported crimes in the area, significantly impacting the overall safety perception. Public order offences follow, accounting for 19 incidents, or 9.8% of the total. Other theft constitutes 12 incidents (6.2%), highlighting a vulnerability to opportunistic crime. Anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and arson, and other miscellaneous crimes contribute further to the overall crime picture, each representing a smaller proportion of the total incidents. The relatively low number of burglaries (6 incidents) suggests that property security, while important, may not be the primary concern for residents, although this should not be taken as a guarantee of safety. The local community’s demographics, including the mix of families, young adults, and older residents, likely contribute to the diverse range of offences reported.

Crime in Merlin’s Bridge has been steadily increasing, with a significant rise of 56.9% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals a particularly sharp spike in June 2025, where the crime rate reached 15.3 per 1,000, significantly exceeding the average monthly rate. While the rate decreased somewhat in subsequent months, it remained elevated compared to the initial months of the year. The data for December 2025 shows a drop to 2.7 per 1,000, which could be a temporary fluctuation or a sign of changing patterns that require further monitoring. This upward trend underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of crime and implementing preventative measures to safeguard the community.

How To Keep Safe in Merlin's Bridge

Given the high incidence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone, particularly during the evening. Secondly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Thirdly, ensure your home is well-lit and secure, with robust locks and potentially an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Being vigilant and proactive can significantly contribute to a safer environment for everyone in Merlin's Bridge.

Crime patterns in Merlin's Bridge show a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequent during the evening (6pm - 12am), with 22% of these crimes occurring then. Violence and sexual offences are disproportionately concentrated during the night hours (12am - 6am), especially on weekends. The afternoon period sees a high proportion of other theft incidents, potentially linked to increased commercial activity. Vehicle crime is also more prevalent during the overnight period. This temporal distribution underscores the importance of targeted safety measures tailored to specific times of day and days of the week.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Merlin's Bridge's crime rate is higher than Hook (Pembrokeshire) which has a rate of 27.5 per 1,000, but lower than Haverfordwest (178.5 per 1,000) and Johnston (89.4 per 1,000). The variation in crime rates across these locations demonstrates the localised nature of criminal activity and highlights the importance of understanding specific area characteristics when assessing safety levels. Crundale, with a rate of 56.4 per 1,000, presents a more moderate comparison point, suggesting that Merlin's Bridge faces a disproportionately higher level of reported crime.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording events after they’ve occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; preventing crime before it happens is another. scOS offers a proactive solution. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your entire property boundary simultaneously, identifying potential threats before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS signals a serious level of protection, often deterring potential criminals before they even attempt an intrusion. Most burglars decide within that crucial 60-second window – scOS makes that decision easy for them: they move on.