The question of how crime in Merlin's Bridge compares to the rest of Pembrokeshire is a common one. Based on available data, Merlin's Bridge, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Pembrokeshire with a population of 2218, exhibits a crime rate of 87.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average crime rate, which stands at 91.6 per 1,000.
To provide a more nuanced perspective, it's helpful to examine crime rates in nearby areas. Haverfordwest, a larger town in Pembrokeshire, has a significantly higher crime rate of 178.5 per 1,000. Johnston reports a crime rate of 89.4 per 1,000, which is only slightly above Merlin's Bridge. In contrast, Hook (Pembrokeshire) boasts a considerably lower crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000, while Crundale has a rate of 56.4 per 1,000.
Beyond the raw crime rate, the safety score offers another valuable metric. Merlin's Bridge has a safety score of 75/100. This score, while below the UK average of 79/100, still suggests a relatively safe environment. It's important to remember that safety scores are calculated using a range of factors beyond just crime statistics and can be influenced by perceptions of safety and the presence of protective factors within the community.
It’s also crucial to acknowledge that crime statistics represent reported crimes, and the actual level of crime may be higher due to underreporting. Furthermore, different types of crimes are not weighted equally in these calculations. Nevertheless, the available data indicates that Merlin's Bridge generally experiences a lower level of crime compared to the UK average and several of its immediate neighbours within Pembrokeshire.