Merlin's Bridge Crime Rate

Merlin's Bridge has a crime rate of 85.2 per 1,000 residents, 6.4% below the UK average. However, the area's most surprising finding is that violence and sexual offences are 69% above the national average, with 54.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This stark contrast to the area's lower property crime rates suggests unique social dynamics at play, possibly linked to its rural commuter function and limited access to support services.

Merlin's Bridge is a small rural commuter hub in Pembrokeshire, likely serving as a transitional point between urban centres and coastal communities. Its low population density and proximity to natural landscapes may contribute to lower property crime rates, though the 69% above-average rate of violence and sexual offences suggests social dynamics or limited access to support services in this isolated setting. The area's character as a commuter town with mixed residential and commercial properties may also influence crime patterns, such as the surge in anti-social behaviour.

The most striking finding is that violence and sexual offences in Merlin's Bridge are 69% above the UK average (54.1 vs 32.1 per 1,000). This could reflect a combination of factors including the area's commuter nature, which may lead to transient populations or social isolation, and the lack of dedicated support services in a rural setting. Public order crimes are 22% above the UK average (7.7 vs 6.3 per 1,000), likely tied to local events or community interactions. Other theft, though 17% below the UK average (5.0 vs 6.0 per 1,000), has risen by 22% YoY, due to increased retail activity or transient populations. Anti-social behaviour, though 69% below the UK average (4.5 vs 14.7 per 1,000), has surged by 100% YoY, indicating a sharp and unexplained spike in disruptive activity that may require targeted local interventions.

Crime in Merlin's Bridge has increased by 30.3% year-on-year, with the most significant rise in anti-social behaviour (+100% YoY). Violence and sexual offences have also surged by 51.9%, remaining 69% above the UK average. This contrasts with a 27.3% decrease in criminal damage and arson and a 28.6% drop in other crime. The surge in anti-social behaviour, despite remaining below the UK average, suggests emerging local challenges. Seasonal patterns show a peak in June 2025 (15.3 per 1,000/month) and a trough in December 2025 (2.7 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by seasonal tourism and outdoor activity.

How To Keep Safe in Merlin's Bridge

Residents should prioritise awareness of local hotspots for violence and sexual offences, which are 69% above the UK average. For public order crimes, which are 22% above the UK average, avoid poorly lit areas during evenings when incidents peak. Given the 100% YoY increase in anti-social behaviour, consider joining local community initiatives that promote social cohesion. For property crime prevention, secure vehicles in well-lit, monitored areas to counter the 50% YoY rise in vehicle crime. Homeowners should ensure external lighting and visible security systems are in place, especially given the 30% of burglaries occurring overnight.

Crime in Merlin's Bridge peaks at night, with burglaries accounting for 30% of incidents between midnight and 6am, likely due to isolated parking areas or limited surveillance. Vehicle crime is concentrated overnight (19% of night-time crimes), possibly linked to sparse street lighting in rural stretches. Theft is most common during the afternoon (60% of incidents), aligning with retail activity in the area's commercial zones. By contrast, mornings see lower crime, with theft making up 59% of incidents, potentially due to targeted opportunism in quieter hours. The weekday pattern shows moderate activity during the day, with a sharper increase on Fridays and Saturdays, reflecting potential nightlife activity in the area.

Compared to nearby areas, Merlin's Bridge has a 230% higher crime rate than Hook (Pembrokeshire) (85.2 vs 25.8 per 1,000). Haverfordwest has an 113% higher crime rate than Merlin's Bridge, while Crundale has a 44% lower crime rate. Johnston has an 11% higher crime rate, suggesting Merlin's Bridge's rural commuter nature may contribute to its distinct crime profile compared to more urban or isolated areas.

When violent crime rates exceed the national average, as they do in Merlin's Bridge at 69% above the UK average, proactive security measures become essential, scOS's AI-powered system detects threats at the property perimeter before break-ins occur, distinguishing between regular visitors and potential intruders using behavioural pattern learning. This is particularly relevant in Merlin's Bridge, where anti-social behaviour has surged by 100% YoY, raising concerns about unprovoked confrontations. The system's autonomous deterrence features, including automated lighting and speaker activation, can disrupt intruders without requiring resident intervention. With a dedicated scOS Architect configuring the system for local conditions, it offers a tailored approach to home security in this area.