Milford Haven Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

October 2024 marked a significant escalation in crime for Milford Haven, a coastal town in Pembrokeshire, with a crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents — 53.1% above the UK average. This stark deviation from the national norm underscores a troubling trend in local security, particularly in violent crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 46.6% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 5.8 per 1,000 — 117% higher than the UK average. This category's surge aligns with seasonal factors: October's shorter daylight hours and Halloween festivities may have contributed to increased street-level activity and alcohol-related incidents in the town's social hubs. Criminal damage and arson followed closely, comprising 13.2% of total crimes, with a rate 171% above the UK average. These figures suggest targeted vandalism or arson in areas with high foot traffic or vulnerable infrastructure, potentially linked to the town's tourism industry or maritime operations. Public order offences, at 11.3% of total crimes, also exceeded the UK average by 150%, reflecting possible tensions in public spaces during the transition to darker evenings. While anti-social behaviour remained slightly below the UK average (7% lower), the overall pattern indicates a shift in crime dynamics, with violent and disruptive offences dominating. This contrasts with the UK's generally lower rates for these categories, raising questions about local socioeconomic factors or unmet policing needs. The seasonal context — clocks going back, darker evenings, and Halloween — likely amplified risks, as illuminated areas become fewer and community events draw larger crowds. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or tourist activity, where the combination of seasonal changes and local characteristics may create conditions conducive to crime.

October 2024 saw alarming increases in specific crime categories, with 'other crime' surging 500% month-on-month, rising from one to six incidents. This jump includes unclassified but potentially serious offences that may not fit neatly into standard categories, prompting calls for more detailed police reporting. Other theft also doubled, from seven to 14 incidents, likely reflecting opportunistic crimes in crowded public spaces during Halloween or other events. Bicycle theft, though minimal in absolute terms, rose 100% from zero to one incident, tied to increased cycling during darker evenings or thefts from unsecured bikes near retail areas. These spikes contrast with minor declines in burglary (-16.7%) and shoplifting (-11.1%), suggesting some crime types may be shifting focus. Violent crime's 117% excess over the UK average highlights a critical concern: Milford Haven's rate of 5.8 per 1,000 is nearly double the national figure of 2.7 per 1,000. This disparity may be exacerbated by the town's coastal location, which draws transient populations and increases exposure to alcohol-fuelled incidents. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.6 per 1,000 (171% above UK average), point to potential issues with property neglect or deliberate targeting of local businesses. Residents should be particularly alert to these trends, as the combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics appears to be creating conditions where violent and disruptive crimes are prevalent.

The crime rate in Milford Haven for October 2024 (12.4 per 1,000) represents a 30.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.5 per 1,000, underscoring a marked upward trend. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately seven crimes per day — a figure that, while contextually local, highlights the frequency of incidents in a relatively small community of 16,485 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 81 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to the UK average, suggests Milford Haven faces significantly higher risks. This figure is particularly stark when considering that the UK's average monthly exposure is not provided, but the town's crime rate is already 53.1% above the national benchmark. The population context further amplifies the concern: with a smaller population, the impact of each incident is proportionally greater, and the limited resources of local policing may be stretched thin. The rise in violent crime, which now constitutes nearly half of all reported offences, contrasts sharply with the UK's generally lower rates for this category. While the UK average for violent crime is 2.7 per 1,000, Milford Haven's rate of 5.8 per 1,000 suggests a localised challenge that may require targeted interventions. Residents should note that this increase is not evenly distributed across crime types — certain categories, such as criminal damage and public order offences, have surged far beyond UK averages, indicating a need for community-specific strategies to address these trends.