Wrexham Crime Rate

Wrexham presents a dynamic safety profile with an overall crime rate of 99.4 per 1,000 people. While this figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 77/100. Most encouragingly, the crime trend is on a clear downward trajectory, with a 6.7% decrease recorded year-over-year. This reduction suggests that Wrexham is becoming increasingly secure for its 138,245 residents. As a major regional centre, the statistics reflect the urban nature of the district, where commercial and social activity is concentrated. By examining the detailed breakdown of crime types and monthly trends, residents can gain a clearer understanding of the local environment and the positive steps being taken to improve community safety.

Wrexham is a major administrative, commercial, and industrial hub in North Wales, which significantly influences its crime statistics. As the largest settlement in the region, it features a high population density and a busy town centre that serves as a focal point for retail and nightlife. The presence of large-scale employers, particularly in the Wrexham Industrial Estate, and major transport links like the A483, contributes to a high daily transient population.

Economic factors, including areas of urban regeneration alongside established residential zones, create a diverse socio-economic landscape. The town's status as a regional destination for football fans and shoppers increases footfall, which can lead to higher instances of opportunistic crime and public order issues. Furthermore, the concentration of services and commercial activity in the urban core naturally results in more reported incidents compared to the surrounding rural areas of the local authority. Understanding these urban dynamics is key to interpreting why Wrexham's crime rate differs from more rural Welsh districts.

In the Wrexham local authority area, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of criminal activity, accounting for 38.4% of all reported crimes with 5,267 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.7% and criminal damage and arson at 10.2%. These figures highlight that person-centred and public order offences are the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime is also a notable factor for the community, with an overall rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts. Shoplifting is particularly prevalent, with 1,270 incidents (9.2% of total crime), reflecting the area's busy commercial centres. There were 415 recorded burglaries and 308 vehicle crimes during the data period. For residents and homeowners, this property crime rate—which is close to the UK average of 32.2—means that while the area is generally secure, there is a consistent need for effective home and vehicle security measures. The data suggests that opportunistic theft is the most likely property threat faced by the local population.

Wrexham is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in criminal activity, with a 6.7% year-over-year decrease in total crime. This improvement is reflected in the monthly data for 2025, which shows a generally stable environment with a slight reduction in activity towards the end of the year.

The year began with rates of 7.8 per 1,000 in both January and February, before seeing a peak in March at 9.2. Throughout the summer, the crime rate remained relatively high, fluctuating between 8.0 and 9.1. However, as the year drew to a close, the figures began to decline, dropping from 8.6 in September to 7.4 in December. This end-of-year reduction is a promising sign for the local community. For residents, this trend suggests that while urban activity naturally leads to higher crime in the spring and summer, the overall direction for Wrexham is one of increasing safety and effective crime prevention.

In the context of the surrounding region, Wrexham's crime rate of 99.4 per 1,000 is higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Denbighshire, Cheshire West and Chester, Flintshire, Wirral, Halton, and Newcastle-under-Lyme all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this specific dataset. This contrast is largely due to Wrexham's role as the primary urban and commercial hub for North East Wales. Major towns almost always show higher crime figures than the rural or suburban districts that surround them. For those considering the region, Wrexham offers the amenities of a large town, but with the trade-off of higher recorded activity typical of any significant regional centre.

With a property crime rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, Wrexham residents face a risk level that is closely aligned with the national average. In a year where 415 burglaries and over 1,200 shoplifting incidents occurred, the limitations of traditional security systems become apparent. Most standard CCTV setups are reactive—they provide a recording of an event that has already happened, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma of a break-in.

scOS offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime at the property line. Using advanced AI, the system monitors all cameras simultaneously to identify suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles using DVLA verification. Unlike DIY systems that merely send a notification to your phone while a crime is in progress, scOS can trigger autonomous responses. By activating lights and speakers the moment a threat is detected, it destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Wrexham homeowners, this proactive approach transforms security from a passive recording tool into an active deterrent that encourages criminals to move on before they ever reach the door.

How To Keep Safe in Wrexham

The most common crime type in the Wrexham area is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.4% of all reported incidents. To enhance your personal safety and awareness while living or working in the district, consider these practical steps:

1. Be Mindful in the Town Centre: When visiting busy areas, especially during weekend evenings, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid escalating any confrontational situations.
2. Travel in Groups: When walking home at night, try to stay with friends or colleagues. If you are alone, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit footpaths or isolated areas.
3. Use Licensed Transport: Always use reputable taxi companies or licensed private hire vehicles when travelling late at night. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or location feels uncomfortable, leave immediately and head toward a well-lit, public place like a shop or a petrol station.
5. Secure Your Belongings: While personal safety is paramount, keeping your phone and wallet out of sight in busy areas can prevent you from becoming a target for opportunistic theft, which can sometimes lead to confrontations.