Milford Haven Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Milford Haven’s crime rate in October 2023 reached 8.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.3% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This marks a notable departure from the area’s usual seasonal patterns, which typically see reduced crime activity during the autumn months. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (44.5% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.8%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%). These figures align with Milford Haven’s characteristics as a coastal town with a mix of residential areas, commercial hubs, and tourist infrastructure. The surge in violent crime may be linked to Halloween-related activity, with darker evenings potentially increasing opportunities for unauthorised gatherings or incidents. Anti-social behaviour rates remained elevated compared to the UK average, consistent with the area’s compact built-up environment where noise and disruptive conduct can spread quickly. The relatively low rates of burglary (2.7%) and shoplifting (4.8%) suggest that retail and residential security measures are functioning effectively, though the drop in vehicle crime (81% below UK average) may reflect reduced car usage during the autumn season. Seasonal factors such as the clocks going back and shorter daylight hours could contribute to the increased prevalence of violent and disorderly crimes, as outdoor activity patterns shift. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly during late evenings, and to report suspicious behaviour promptly.

October 2023 saw a 300% increase in possession of weapons crimes, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a stark spike that warrants attention. This jump, combined with a 36.4% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 11 to 15 cases), highlights emerging concerns in the area. Violent crime rates, already significantly above the UK average (44.5% of total crimes), remained the dominant category, with violence and sexual offences 44% higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK rate by 25%, a trend that may be exacerbated by the town’s dense population and limited public space for dispersal. Vehicle crime dropped by 81% compared to the UK average, though this decrease was offset by a 100% increase in reported incidents from the previous month. The sharp decline in burglary (50% fewer cases) and drugs-related crimes (50% fewer) offers some respite, but these reductions must be viewed cautiously—seasonal factors and temporary enforcement efforts may have contributed. Residents should be particularly alert to the surge in weapons possession, which could indicate increased gang activity or conflict in the area. The breakdown of crimes shows a shift towards more visible, public-space offences, suggesting that localised issues may be intensifying in specific parts of Milford Haven.

Milford Haven’s crime rate in October 2023 (8.9 per 1,000) was 11.3% above the UK average, but the monthly trajectory showed a 20.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.1 per 1,000. This decline, however, masks the sharp increases in specific categories such as weapons possession and criminal damage. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in October—a rate that, while relatively low compared to larger urban centres, remains higher than the UK average when adjusted for population density. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a figure that, when contextualised against Milford Haven’s population of 16,485, underscores the need for targeted local interventions. The drop in the previous month’s rate may be attributed to seasonal factors, with October’s transition from summer to autumn potentially reducing some forms of outdoor activity. However, the persistent elevation in violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggests that underlying issues are not being fully addressed. The comparison to the UK average highlights both the area’s unique challenges and the effectiveness of local policing efforts in curbing certain types of crime. Residents should consider these statistics in conjunction with local news and community reports to gain a fuller understanding of the risks they face.