Tenby Crime Rate

Tenby is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming coastal town, a reputation supported by its safety score of 86/100, which is well above the UK average of 78. Its overall crime rate of 62.2 per 1,000 people is also significantly lower than the national benchmark of 93.1. While the town remains statistically secure, it has experienced an increasing trend, with a 27.3% rise in reported offences over the last year. This growth is often linked to the town's popularity as a tourist destination, which can lead to higher reports of certain crime types during peak seasons. Despite the upward trend, Tenby remains one of the safer urban settlements in the region.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Tenby, making up 36.6% of the total. Criminal damage and arson (12.8%) and anti-social behaviour (12.0%) also feature prominently in the local statistics. Property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 21.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting (8.9%) and public order offences (8.9%) are also notable, likely reflecting the town's status as a major tourism destination. For residents, while the overall risk is lower than in many urban areas, the seasonal nature of activity in the town can influence these patterns.

Tenby has seen an increasing trend in crime, with a 27.3% rise over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated, with a significant peak in August 2025 at 9.1 per 1,000, likely coinciding with the height of the summer holiday season. Other peaks occurred in March (7.5) and April (6.9). The rates were notably lower in the winter months, with October 2025 recording a low of 3.2 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that crime in Tenby is heavily influenced by seasonal visitor numbers, making the town much busier and more prone to reported incidents during the spring and summer.

How To Keep Safe in Tenby

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Tenby, often associated with the town's busy tourism and nightlife sectors. To stay safe, consider the following advice:

1. When enjoying Tenby's nightlife, particularly during the summer peak, stay with friends and avoid walking alone in less populated areas late at night.
2. Be mindful of your belongings in busy areas like the beaches and town centre, as high footfall can attract opportunistic theft and shoplifting.
3. Ensure your home or holiday accommodation is fully secure when you go out, as criminal damage and burglary still occur, particularly in the afternoon and night.
4. If you witness anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 12% of local reports, move to a well-lit public area and report it to the authorities.
5. Use designated taxi ranks or pre-booked transport when returning home late at night to ensure a safe and direct journey.

Crime in Tenby follows a seasonal and daily rhythm typical of a coastal resort. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for about 50% of reports as shops and attractions are at their busiest. In the evening, the focus shifts toward "other" crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 62% of reports. Burglary risk is highest during the night (15%) and afternoon (11%), while vehicle crime peaks significantly during the early hours (12am-6am), representing 17% of all night-time reports. This suggests that property and vehicles are most vulnerable when the town's streets are at their quietest.

In the local context, Tenby is one of the safer towns in the Pembrokeshire local authority. Its crime rate of 62.2 is much lower than larger nearby hubs like Pembroke (101.7) and Pembroke Dock (132.1). However, it is higher than the very low rates seen in smaller neighbouring settlements like Saundersfoot (21.0) and rural villages like Penally, New Hedges, and St Florence, which report virtually no crime. This data reflects Tenby's role as a major visitor attraction, which naturally results in more activity and reported incidents than its quieter residential neighbours.

Tenby's property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000 is lower than the national average, but with a 27.3% increase in total crime, maintaining that security requires a modern approach. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or tried your door. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property boundary before a break-in occurs. It can distinguish between regular visitors and potential threats, only alerting you when necessary. Its autonomous response system, which can activate lights or audio deterrents, is designed to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For homeowners in Tenby, especially those with holiday properties that may be left unattended, scOS provides a professional-grade security solution that prevents crime rather than just recording it, ensuring your property remains as safe as the town itself.