Tenby Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Tenby, Pembrokeshire, indicate a rate of 61.9 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. While this is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it still warrants attention and understanding. The data, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals an upward trend in crime, increasing by a significant 36.8% year-on-year. This increase is reflected across various crime categories, and requires continued monitoring and proactive measures. Understanding the nuances of the crime landscape in Tenby is key to fostering a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

Tenby, a picturesque coastal town in Pembrokeshire, exhibits a diverse range of crime types. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for nearly 40% of recorded incidents. These are followed by criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour, both representing 12.2% of recorded crimes. The broader context of the area’s popularity as a tourist destination, alongside the close-knit community, likely contributes to these statistics. While the area enjoys a generally positive reputation, the interplay of these factors can create circumstances that lead to criminal activity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted safety initiatives and community engagement programs. Shoplifting accounts for 7.3%, indicating potential challenges for local businesses, while burglary, at 2.4%, and vehicle crime, at 1.8%, represent comparatively smaller proportions of overall crime.

The increase in crime over the period from January 2025 to December 2025 represents a worrying trend for Tenby. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a significant spike in March 2025 (7.5 per 1,000/month) and again in August 2025 (9.1 per 1,000/month). While rates generally decreased in subsequent months, they remain above the levels observed in the early part of the year. This upward trend, amounting to a 36.8% year-on-year increase, underscores the need for focused interventions and community-led initiatives to address the underlying causes and mitigate further escalation.

How To Keep Safe in Tenby

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Due to the relatively high rate of criminal damage and arson, be mindful of leaving valuables visible in your car or garden. With shoplifting being a notable concern, secure your belongings when shopping. Finally, be vigilant against anti-social behaviour by reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. By taking these precautions, you can significantly enhance your personal safety in Tenby.

Criminal activity in Tenby exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary risks are slightly elevated in the afternoon, while theft and vehicle crime are more prevalent during commercial hours. However, the evening and night hours, particularly between 6pm and 6am, see the highest concentration of crime, especially vehicle crime and theft. Violence and sexual offences are also notably elevated during the evening and night, suggesting a need for increased vigilance and visibility during these periods. These patterns highlight the importance of proactive safety measures and community engagement, especially during peak hours.

Compared to Tenby’s crime rate of 61.9 per 1,000 residents, nearby Penally and New Hedges and Twy Cross report zero incidents. Saundersfoot exhibits a lower rate of 23.3 per 1,000, while St Florence also records no reported crimes. These variations highlight the localized nature of crime and suggest that factors specific to Tenby’s unique environment – its popularity as a tourist destination and the density of its population – may contribute to its higher crime rate.

Traditional CCTV systems provide valuable recordings after an incident, but often offer little in the way of proactive prevention. If you’re concerned about crime in Tenby, consider a more advanced approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary – before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. Recognising your family and deliveries, scOS only alerts you to genuine threats, and its autonomous response – activating lights and speakers – creates a powerful deterrent. The right security system doesn't just record; it prevents. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is often the difference between a crime attempted and a home protected.