Saundersfoot Crime Rate

Saundersfoot's crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents, 73.9% below the UK average, highlights its status as one of the safer areas in Pembrokeshire. Despite a 36.9% year-on-year increase in overall crime, the area remains significantly below national averages for most categories. The sharp rise in drug-related offences—up 150% YoY—stands out as the most surprising trend, even as burglary and vehicle crime also climb.

Saundersfoot is a built-up area in Pembrokeshire, likely characterised by a mix of residential properties and small-scale commercial activity. Its coastal location may attract tourism, influencing crime patterns. The relatively low crime rate suggests strong community cohesion, while the increase in drug-related offences could reflect broader regional trends or shifts in local demographics.

The most surprising finding is the 150% year-on-year increase in drug-related offences, despite remaining 78% below the UK average. This spike may be linked to increased transient populations during peak tourism seasons, though no specific data on tourism is provided. Violence and sexual offences, though rising by 45%, remain 60% below the UK average, possibly due to the area's smaller population and lower density of nightlife venues. Burglary and criminal damage have both doubled YoY, potentially driven by the area's rural isolation, which may limit police response times and deterrence. The sharp rise in vehicle crime (100% YoY) could be attributed to unsecured parking in residential zones, though the overall rate remains 94% below the UK average.

Crime in Saundersfoot has increased by 36.9% year-on-year, with the most dramatic rise in drug-related offences (+150% YoY). The monthly trend shows a peak in May 2025 (3.1 per 1,000/month), likely driven by increased tourism activity during the spring season. While property crime has also risen, it remains 78% below the UK average. The surge in drug offences may reflect broader regional trends or increased transient populations, though no specific data on tourism or demographics is provided. The overall increase suggests a need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing drug-related activities.

How To Keep Safe in Saundersfoot

1. Secure vehicles with immobilisers and alarms, especially during late-night hours when vehicle crime peaks. Avoid leaving valuables in sight.
2. Use outdoor lighting and motion sensors to deter burglaries, which are most common in the evening and night. Install scOS-compatible systems for real-time alerts.
3. Stay aware of public spaces, particularly during late afternoon and evening hours when theft and anti-social behaviour are more likely. Avoid isolated areas after dark.
4. Report any suspicious drug-related activity promptly, as this category has seen a sharp rise despite remaining below the UK average.

Crime in Saundersfoot shows distinct patterns across the day. Vehicle crime peaks at night (12am-6am), likely due to unattended vehicles in residential areas. Theft occurs most frequently in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), possibly linked to shoplifting in small retail outlets. Burglary spikes in the evening (6pm-12am) and night, suggesting opportunistic intrusions when homes are unoccupied. Other crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, dominate during the night, reflecting potential issues with late-night gatherings or alcohol-related incidents.

Saundersfoot's crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 is 87% lower than Kilgetty's rate of 44.5, the only nearby area with available data. Kilgetty's higher rate may reflect differences in population density or economic factors, though specific data on these aspects is not provided. Both areas are in Pembrokeshire, but Saundersfoot's lower crime rate suggests stronger community cohesion or more effective local policing.

Home security in Saundersfoot should prioritise vehicle and burglary prevention. Given the 100% YoY increase in vehicle crime, using scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification can flag suspicious vehicles approaching homes. Proactive boundary detection, which identifies threats at property perimeters, is also critical for deterring burglaries. The system's ability to distinguish household members from potential intruders reduces false alarms, making it ideal for the area's low but rising crime profile.