Milford Haven Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Milford Haven’s December 2024 crime statistics reveal a population of 16,485 residents experiencing 156 reported crimes, equating to a rate of 9.5 per 1,000 people. This figure is 33.8% higher than the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting a stark localised challenge. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 49.4% of all incidents (77 cases), followed by criminal damage and arson (12.8%) and public order offences (10.3%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up coastal town in Pembrokeshire, where seasonal fluctuations and tourism dynamics may amplify certain crime types. The high proportion of violent crime—84% above the UK average—suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. December’s festive season, marked by extended evenings, reduced public spaces, and transient populations, likely contributed to the persistence of violent and property-related offences. While the overall rate decreased by 3.8% from November, the concentration of crimes in violent and public order categories indicates that targeted interventions may be necessary to address underlying vulnerabilities. The relatively small population size means that each incident has a more visible impact on the community, necessitating tailored policing strategies and community engagement initiatives.

December 2024 marked sharp increases in burglary (+175%), robbery (+100%), and theft from the person (+100%), reflecting a shift in crime patterns compared to previous months. These rises may partly explain the area’s elevated violent crime rate, which is 84% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime dropped sharply—shoplifting fell by 80% to one incident, while vehicle crime decreased by 66.7% to one report. This divergence suggests that seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during the holiday period, may have impacted retail-related crimes. The breakdown also shows that anti-social behaviour remains slightly below the UK average (4% below), indicating a potential imbalance in crime types. Residents may find the 175% surge in burglary particularly concerning, as it suggests a growing vulnerability in local properties, linked to increased home occupancy during the festive season. The drop in vehicle crime aligns with reduced car usage during the holiday period, though this may also reflect improved local security measures or fewer opportunities for such crimes in a quieter month.

December 2024 saw a 3.8% decrease in Milford Haven’s crime rate compared to November, falling from 9.8 to 9.5 per 1,000 residents. This small decline contrasts with the overall rate remaining 33.8% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day in December, a figure that reflects both the population size and the persistent concentration of violent and property offences. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 106 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance. While the rate is lower than November, the distribution of crimes remains skewed toward violent and public order issues, which are higher than the UK average. This suggests that local factors—such as the area’s coastal location and seasonal activity patterns—continue to influence crime trends more than the national average. The population context also means that each crime has a more pronounced impact on the local community, given the relatively small resident base compared to larger urban centres. Milford Haven’s built-up area status within Pembrokeshire, combined with its reliance on seasonal tourism and maritime industries, likely contributes to fluctuating crime patterns during months like December, when short-term residents and holidaymakers may alter local dynamics.