Pembroke Dock Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Pembroke Dock recorded 86 crimes, equating to 8.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This rate places the area 11.3% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap that highlights the need for targeted local strategies. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (42 incidents, 48.8% of the total), followed by anti-social behaviour (12 cases) and criminal damage and arson (9 cases). These figures align with the area’s character as a coastal town with a significant student population, particularly during university freshers’ week. The surge in violence and sexual offences may be partly explained by the influx of new students and the associated social dynamics, though this connection remains hedged by the lack of direct data on student numbers. Seasonal factors also appear influential: as nights draw in and the academic year begins, increased late-night activity in the town’s core areas could contribute to the spike in violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour, though still a concern, fell by 25% compared to August, due to the easing of summer-related events. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates remain low—64% below the UK average—suggesting that local retail areas are not experiencing the same pressures as larger urban centres. The balance between property and violent crimes is skewed, with the latter accounting for 48.8% of all incidents, a figure significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This imbalance may reflect the area’s reliance on tourism and the associated challenges of managing public spaces during peak seasons. The data also shows that crimes like burglary and vehicle theft are below UK averages, likely due to the town’s rural character and the lower density of commercial vehicles compared to industrial or urban areas. While the overall crime rate is a cause for concern, the specific patterns observed in September 2023 offer insights into how local conditions shape the crime profile, pointing to the need for tailored interventions that address both immediate and seasonal factors.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with other crime, other theft, and drugs all doubling from August levels. These jumps—each a 100% rise—suggest emerging trends or temporary spikes linked to seasonal factors like university freshers arriving in the area. Conversely, public order offences fell by 41.7% (from 12 to 7), and anti-social behaviour decreased by 25% (from 16 to 12), potentially reflecting a reduction in alcohol-fuelled incidents as the summer season waned. Violence and sexual offences remain high, with a rate of 4.3 per 1,000—57% above the UK average. This category alone constitutes nearly half of all crimes reported, raising questions about localised factors such as late-night activity in the town’s core areas. The stark contrast between rising drug-related offences and falling shoplifting rates (which are 64% below the UK average) underscores shifting patterns in criminal behaviour, possibly influenced by the area’s seasonal rhythms and demographics.

Pembroke Dock's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 8.9 per 1,000 residents, a 19.5% increase from 7.5 per 1,000 in August. This translates to roughly 3 crimes reported daily across the built-up area, with one crime occurring for every 112 residents over the course of the month. While the daily figure appears modest, the monthly exposure highlights the cumulative impact on the local population. The population context is critical: with 9,667 residents, the 86 total crimes represent a significant proportion of the community. This rate places Pembroke Dock above the UK average, though the localised nature of the data means direct comparisons to national figures are limited. The shift from August to September aligns with seasonal patterns, as the return of students and the start of term activities may contribute to increased incidents, particularly in public spaces. The localised daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating that while the area is not exceptionally high-risk, the rate remains a concern for community safety planning.