Milford Haven Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected finding in Milford Haven's January 2026 crime data is the sharp 200% surge in both vehicle crime and possession of weapons, which defies the typical post-holiday dip in criminal activity often seen in coastal communities. This anomaly contrasts with the area's broader seasonal pattern of reduced retail footfall and shorter days, which usually correlate with lower crime rates. The overall crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents—32.4% above the UK average—reflects a challenging month, with violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly half (47.7%) of all reported incidents. This category alone is 72% above the UK average, a disparity that may be partly explained by Milford Haven's role as a regional hub with transient populations and limited policing resources during winter. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose to 1.2 per 1,000, 150% above the national average, a figure that could be linked to the area’s maritime infrastructure and the potential for vandalism in port-related zones. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 16.7%, due to colder weather deterring outdoor gatherings. The data highlights a paradox: while the area’s crime rate is elevated, the distribution of offences suggests a mix of localised issues and broader regional trends. For instance, the 0.4 per 1,000 rate for shoplifting—30% below the UK average—indicates that retail crime is not a dominant concern, despite the town’s commercial presence. This divergence may be explained by effective local policing strategies or the influence of nearby tourist areas diverting some criminal activity. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday lulls and reduced social activity—adds another layer of complexity, as the usual patterns of crime in coastal communities appear to have been disrupted. Residents and local authorities alike may need to address the unexpected rise in vehicle-related and weapons-related offences, which do not align with the typical post-Christmas trends. The interplay between these anomalies and the area’s demographic and geographic characteristics will be critical in understanding the full picture of Milford Haven’s crime profile in 2026.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in both vehicle crime and possession of weapons, with incidents rising from 1 to 3 in each category. This surge in weapons-related offences is particularly striking, as the area’s rate of 0.2 per 1,000 is 186% above the UK average, suggesting a potential shift in local dynamics. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 100%, though Milford Haven’s rate of 0.4 per 1,000 remains 30% below the UK average, indicating that retail-focused crime may not be a dominant factor here. The decline in other theft by 33.3% and anti-social behaviour by 16.7% offers a counterbalance to these trends, possibly reflecting seasonal patterns such as reduced foot traffic after the Christmas period. These shifts underscore a combination of local and national factors, with violent crime—accounting for 47.7% of all incidents—remaining the most pressing concern, at 4.3 per 1,000, 72% above the UK average. Residents may find the 5 daily crime figure particularly relevant, as it provides a concrete measure of risk in a community often associated with lower crime rates.

Milford Haven's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 9.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.2% increase from the previous month's 8.4. This places the area 32.4% above the UK average, a disparity that remains significant despite the typically lower crime rates seen in coastal regions. Daily crime figures show an average of five reported incidents each day, a rate that, while modest, translates to one crime occurring for every 111 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the UK population context, Milford Haven’s figures highlight a localised concentration of certain offences, particularly violent crime and property damage, which may reflect unique community dynamics or environmental factors. The population of 16,485 means that each resident faces a slightly higher risk of encountering crime than the national average, though the absolute numbers remain relatively low. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, helping to contextualise the statistics beyond raw percentages.