Milford Haven Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Milford Haven's overall crime rate in September 2024 was 9.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.4% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure, while concerning, reveals a nuanced picture shaped by seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 48.7% of all incidents, a rate of 4.6 per 1,000—76% above the UK average. This stark disparity may be influenced by the town's role as a hub for university students, whose arrival in September coincides with freshers' week and increased social activity in public spaces. Criminal damage and arson followed, contributing 12.2% of total crimes at a rate of 1.2 per 1,000, 114% above the UK average. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to academic life and the transition to shorter evenings—may exacerbate tensions in densely populated areas, particularly around the town centre. Public order offences, at 0.9 per 1,000, were 61% above the UK average, likely tied to the same factors. However, the data also highlights positive trends: anti-social behaviour incidents fell sharply, due to the implementation of local community engagement programmes or the natural ebb of summer-related disturbances. These reductions, though significant, must be balanced against the persistent challenges posed by violent crime and property damage, which remain areas requiring urgent attention.

September 2024 saw a 62.1% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents, dropping from 29 to 11. This decline may reflect the impact of local initiatives or seasonal factors, such as the transition from summer to autumn. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 40%, from 5 to 3, suggesting a possible correlation with reduced traffic congestion or increased community vigilance. However, the data also reveals troubling increases: drug-related crimes surged by 500%, rising from 1 to 6, and criminal damage and arson jumped by 90%, from 10 to 19. These spikes may be linked to the area's proximity to university campuses, where freshers' week often coincides with heightened social activity. Violence and sexual offences remained high, at 4.6 per 1,000—76% above the UK average. This underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as the town centre, which may be influenced by the influx of students during the academic term.

Milford Haven's crime rate in September 2024 fell by 10.4% compared to the previous month, marking a notable decline from 10.6 to 9.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in the built-up area, where anti-social behaviour incidents dropped by 62.1%, and vehicle crime decreased by 40%. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while reflective of local conditions, remains a focal point for community safety initiatives. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for every 106 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents within the population of 16,485. This metric, when considered alongside the area's coastal geography and seasonal transitions, highlights the interplay between local rhythms and crime patterns. The drop in crime may partly explain the reduced pressure on local policing resources, though the persistence of high violent crime rates necessitates continued attention.