The 25 Most Dangerous Areas In Wales (2026 Data)

Wherever we opt to lay down our roots, criminal activity is a factor we all have to account for. For many, that’s a major factor in choosing where to kickstart their business or start a family – we all want to feel safe in the place we call home.

As a leading ACS-accredited provider, operating in the top 1% of UK security contractors, we understand the importance of keeping communities safe. As part of our latest report, we’re looking at the most dangerous areas of Wales, the worrying figures that see them secure a spot on that list, and how trends in crime across the Welsh valleys and vistas offer a counterpoint to the country’s natural beauty.

What Is The Overall Picture Of Crime In Wales?

Crime statistics in Wales have been in a steady, well-documented decline since the COVID pandemic. While Wales has historically been one of the safest of the UK’s constituent countries, it’s only in recent years that we’ve seen that manifest itself, with the 8% increase in 2022 now all but eliminated by year-on-year decreases since then.

However, while there’s a protracted decrease in figures in crime – attributable to increased policing presence, community support, and a better understanding of private security services – that’s not to say that Wales is a fully safe area. A deeper dive into last year’s 256,052 criminal offences illustrates that there’s still a long way to go.

That’s best exemplified by the country’s rate of violent crime (106,295 incidents), which accounts for 2 in every 5 crimes across Wales. While that’s consistent with the wider UK, it still points towards one of the biggest root causes for an uncomfortably high base level of criminality across the country.

Looking more closely, we find that violence isn’t the only contributor to Wales’ crime rate. Public order offences (29,153 incidents), criminal damage and arson (26,316 incidents) and shoplifting (22,440 incidents) all hover at an uncomfortable rate and contribute towards Wales’ overall crime rate of 80.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.

It’s also important to look at individual rises, with Wales seeing one of the biggest rises in robbery (1,586 incidents) across the whole of the UK – up by a startling 45%, and second only to the North East in its rise. That’s alongside equally worrying rises in drug offences (up by 35%, 10,304 incidents) and weapon possession (up by 26%, 2,750 incidents).

That’s just the overall crime rate for Wales as a whole. Looking closer at some of the country’s most popular areas (alongside its hidden gems and tourist havens), we find that Wales’ most dangerous areas often see a crime rate that’s far higher than the national average.

The 25 Most Dangerous Areas Of Wales

Using official data from the Police UK Repository, alongside supporting evidence from the Office for National Statistics, we’ve analysed the figures to find Wales’ most dangerous cities and towns. We’ll explore what earns them a spot on our list and where the problems lie for those areas.

25. Porthcawl

Overall Crime Rate Of 59.3 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

On Wales’ southern coastline lies Porthcawl, a hidden gem that’s perhaps better known for its surfing and sands than for its issues with criminality. However, an overall crime rate of 59.3 crimes per 1,000 residents sees this coastal town earn a spot among the most dangerous areas of Wales.

It shares many of the issues that are consistent across the wider UK, with violent crime (399 offences) and shoplifting (143 offences) topping the charts. That’s closely followed by a growing trend towards antisocial behaviour (136 offences), which is being counteracted by policing action across the harbour and Metrolink.

24. Holyhead (Caergybi)

Overall Crime Rate Of 63.2 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of Wales’ most historic port towns and the largest on the Isle of Anglesey, Holyhead’s spot along the Irish Sea and across the Cymryan Strait means it’s off the beaten track. That doesn’t diminish its popularity, though, which perhaps contributes towards the town’s overall crime rate of 63.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Holyhead’s biggest problem lies in a steadily climbing rate of violent crime (320 offences), but there are also mounting concerns around the rates of both antisocial behaviour (149 offences) and shoplifting (78 offences) – perhaps symptomatic of the town’s downturn since Brexit’s impact on transport from Ireland.

23. Barry, Vale of Glamorgan (Y Barri)

Overall Crime Rate Of 63.4 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of South Wales’ most popular holiday resorts, and synonymous with seaside getaways and natural coastal beauty, Barry’s place in popular media has brought a new wave of touristic attention, alongside the wrong kind of criminal attention, with its overall crime rate of 63.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Like much of the rest of Wales, violent crime (1,231 incidents) dominates the headlines for Barry, accounting for 1 in every 3 crimes across the town. That’s alongside equally worrying figures in both antisocial behaviour (466 incidents) and public order offences (410 incidents).

22. Maesteg

Overall Crime Rate Of 64.3 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of the more populous residential towns on the outskirts of South Wales’ larger towns, and distinctly Welsh in its spelling and pronunciation, Maesteg’s undeniable popularity and traditionality are offset by its startling crime rate of 64.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. 

There are a few main issues that underscore those issues for the town. Violent crime (421 offences), antisocial behaviour (190 offences) and shoplifting (186 offences) all stand out as the primary issues for Maesteg, with the latter two presenting a focus for policing priorities.

21. Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot)

Overall Crime Rate Of 69.2 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

A county borough that effortlessly blends the heavy industry of Port Talbot’s at-risk steelworks with the idyllic surroundings of spots like the Margam Country Park and Aberdulais Falls, Neath Port Talbot’s crime rate of 69.2 crimes per 1,000 residents may come as a shock given its surroundings.

However, concerning figures in both violent crime (4,554 incidents) and public order offences (1,367 incidents), alongside a rising rate of criminal damage (885 incidents), mean that the borough more than warrants its spot among Wales’ most dangerous areas.

20. Bridgend (Pen-Y-Bont)

Overall Crime Rate Of 70.7 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

A town that’s evolved substantially over the last few decades, Bridgend is now perhaps best known as a focal point of Welsh music, with internationally recognised bands calling this South Wales mainstay home. However, what isn’t music to residents’ ears is Bridgend’s crime rate, which sits at a worrying 70.7 crimes per 1,000 residents.

There are multiple points of concern for Bridgend’s businesses and residents alike, with the primary pressure point coming in the form of the town’s rising rate of violent crime (4,513 incidents). That’s unfortunately not the only issue, though – both public order offences (1,376 incidents) and shoplifting (942 incidents) spark substantial concerns.

19. Buckley (Bwcle)

Overall Crime Rate Of 71.6 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Flintshire’s second-largest town, Buckley, is perhaps best known as a popular commuter destination for neighbouring cities, alongside the skyline-dominating cement kiln at Padeswood. It’s building a secondary reputation, however, as one of the more dangerous small towns in Wales.

Buckley’s overall crime rate of 71.6 crimes per 1,000 residents only tells a partial story, however. Multiple statistics contribute towards that rate, including worrying rates of violent crime (285 offences), antisocial behaviour (130 offences) and shoplifting (45 offences).

18. Aberystwyth

Overall Crime Rate Of 74.5 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Nestled in the crook of Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth harbours far more than just a holiday destination. As both an official UNESCO City of Literature and a university town in its own right, it’ll come as a shock to see Aberystwyth rank so highly among the most dangerous areas of Wales. 

However, the town’s overall crime rate of 74.5 crimes per 1,000 residents – while it sees the town climb the charts – only tells a partial story. A deeper dive into the overarching statistics finds worrying figures in both violent crime (555 offences) and antisocial behaviour (161 offences), as well as a rate of drug crime (130 offences) that’s among the highest in Wales.

17. Swansea (Abertawe)

Overall Crime Rate Of 76.4 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Wales’ unofficial “second city”, Swansea, has both a lucrative history (in its status as a worldwide copper producer) and a promising future in a multi-billion-pound redevelopment. Present-day Swansea has much to celebrate, too, but the city’s concerning crime rate of 76.4 crimes per 1,000 residents shows there’s still much to do.

Diving deeper only places the city’s issues into starker focus. Violent crime (7,595 offences) is the most prominent issue, accounting for around 40% of all crime citywide. That comes alongside equally worrying figures in both shoplifting (2,026 offences) and criminal damage (1,665 offences).

16. Merthyr Tydfil & Rhondda

Overall Crime Rate Of 78.6 Crimes per 1,000 Residents

Perched in the shade of the Brecon Beacons, Merthyr Tydfil’s idyllic hillside spot belies an industrial heritage that once placed the area at the heart of Welsh industry. Now more of a residential hub and tourist spot than a powerhouse of industry, Merthyr Tydfil’s crime rate of 78.6 crimes per 1,000 residents is perhaps telling of a declining economy.

Further analysis reveals where the pressure points are for Merthyr Tydfil and neighbouring Rhondda. It shares many of the same issues that are prevalent across Wales, including violent crime (10,509 incidents), public order offences (3,099 incidents) and criminal damage (2,167 incidents).

15. Milford Haven (Aberdaugleddau)

Overall Crime Rate Of 81.9 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

As Pembrokeshire’s largest town, Milford Haven’s unassuming exterior masks the town’s prominence in the UK’s energy sector. But while the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal puts the town on the map, the area’s overall crime rate of 81.9 crimes per 1,000 residents means it also ranks highly among Wales’ most dangerous areas.

Violent crime (472 incidents) accounts for the majority of reports in Milford Haven, with violence accounting for 2 in every 5 crimes reported across the town. Outside of that, Milford also grapples with rising rates of antisocial behaviour (121 incidents) and public order offences (109 incidents).

14. Sarn & The Valleys Gateway

Overall Crime Rate Of 82.9 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

While some view Sarn as an extension of Bridgend, the village and the wider Valleys Gateway offer enough to discern it from the bigger town at its doorstep, best characterised by the scenic confluence of multiple rivers. It’s unfortunately also characterised by an uncharacteristically high crime rate of 82.9 crimes per 1,000 residents.

That’s a shade above the Welsh average, and Sarn (and the wider Valleys Gateway) shares many of those same issues on a smaller scale. Those problems include rising rates of violent crime (449 offences), antisocial behaviour (121 offences) and public order crimes (109 offences).

13. Wrexham (Wrecsam)

Overall Crime Rate Of 84.9 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Catapulted into the global public eye with its recent footballing exploits, the city of Wrexham has, in truth, always deserved that recognition, particularly so in its keen sense of heritage and that intrinsic Welsh pride. Its crime rate of 84.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, however, offers a must-consider counterpoint.

High figures in violent crime (5,049 offences), criminal damage (1,437 offences) and shoplifting (1,265 offences) are indicators of the issues Wrexham faces and why it takes a spot in our rankings of the most dangerous areas of Wales.

12. Tonyrefail

Overall Crime Rate Of 89.3 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Perched at the cusp of one of Wales’ most famous bodies of water (the River Ely) is Tonyrefail, a small village harbouring a big secret in its rate of crime, which sits at 89.3 crimes per 1,000 residents – approximately 11% higher than the Wales-wide rate of crime, and a worry for the village’s 11,445 residents.

There are mounting concerns around many of the most prominent criminal issues nationwide, including Tonyrefail’s rates of violent crime (502 incidents), public order offences (102 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (85 incidents).

11. Bangor

Overall Crime Rate Of 90.5 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

An ancient cathedral city on the northern fringes of mainland Wales, Bangor is now more renowned as an out-of-the-way option for higher education in its university and as a long-standing retail hub with Wales’ longest high street. It’s building a secondary reputation, however, as one of the more dangerous areas of North Wales.

The city’s overall crime rate of 90.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, alongside soaring figures in violent crime (502 offences), antisocial behaviour (288 offences) and shoplifting (206 offences), sees it cement that spot for the foreseeable future.

10. Prestatyn

Overall Crime Rate Of 92.4 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of North Wales’ coastal hotspots and an area of natural beauty in its rolling dunes and the parallel running of Offa’s Dyke Path, Prestatyn’s place among the hearts of local holidaymakers may be jeopardised by the town’s crime rate of 92.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. That sees it secure an unsavoury spot among the ten most dangerous areas in Wales.

Violent crime (498 offences) takes the lion’s share of crimes in this Welsh mainstay, accounting for 1 in every 3 reported crimes. That comes alongside rates of both antisocial behaviour (292 offences) and shoplifting (205 offences) that are substantially higher than the national average.

9. Llanelli

Overall Crime Rate Of 96.7 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

The largest town in Carmarthenshire and a bastion for the Welsh language along Wales’ southern coastline, Llanelli’s application for city status (announced in 2024) could be hampered by the town’s ongoing battle with criminality. That’s best exemplified by the overarching rate of crime, which sits at 96.7 crimes per 1,000 residents in the most recent report.

Diving deeper uncovers the crimes that contribute towards that rate, and how major issues are shaping the Police response to crime in Llanelli. That includes high rates of violent crime (1,339 offences), antisocial behaviour (420 offences) and criminal damage (325 offences), which have been raised as recently as May this year by the community.

8. Cardiff (Caerdydd)

Overall Crime Rate Of 104.5 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

The Welsh capital, and a thriving metropolis in its own right, there’s little that can be said about the beautiful city of Cardiff that hasn’t already been proclaimed. Despite its indisputable sporting, cultural and artistic draws, though, it’s Cardiff’s crime rate we’re focused on, which means the city’s residents grapple with 104.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Looking more closely, this uncovers several areas of concern, with soaring figures in violent crime (11,796 incidents), shoplifting (5,228 incidents) and public order offences (4,308 incidents) all regularly making the headlines in Wales’ glittering capital city.

7. Haverfordwest (Hwlffordd)

Overall Crime Rate Of 105.2 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of the quaint towns squirrelled away on the far reaches of Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest is perhaps best known for the looming castle that towers above what’s now a tired county town. That tiredness lends itself to unrest, and that’s reflected in the town’s crime rate – 105.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.

At 25% higher than the crime rate for Wales as a whole, Haverfordwest’s issues with criminality are in a worrying spiral. High rates of violent crime (734 offences), antisocial behaviour (204 offences) and shoplifting (191 offences) are the important pressure points for a town in flux.

6. Newport (Casnewydd)

Overall Crime Rate Of 109.3 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

One of the largest cities in Wales, and synonymous with the ever-present sense of history and robust industry that characterises the country, it’s Newport’s popularity with the wrong kinds of people that earns it a place among Wales’ most dangerous areas. 

A soaring crime rate of 109.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, and concerning figures in violent crime (6,791 incidents), public order offences (2,322 incidents) and criminal damage (2,075 incidents), all contribute towards a rate of criminality that sees Newport tumble further into the most dangerous areas of Wales.

5. Mold (Yr Wyddgrug)

Overall Crime Rate Of 113.1 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

While rather unfortunately named, Mold holds a special place in the heart of its residents and visitors, especially those in town for its renowned food festival. Less well-known is the town’s soaring crime rate of 113.1 crimes per 1,000 residents – a headline figure that’s sure to spark concerns for this North Wales mainstay.

That’s largely made up of persistent issues with violent crime (502 offences), antisocial behaviour (262 offences) and shoplifting (153 offences), alongside a rate of criminal damage and arson (75 offences) that’s worrying for a town of this size.

4. Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin)

Overall Crime Rate Of 113.4 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Claimed to be one of the oldest towns in historic Wales, Carmarthen has, throughout its history, been one of Wales’ most populous towns, as well as one of its more scenic, given its surroundings in the southern Welsh valleys. It’s also becoming known as one of the most dangerous areas of Wales, with an overall crime rate of 113.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Violent crime (1,087 offences) is by far the most common issue, accounting for an estimated 58% of all crime across the whole of Carmarthen. While not close in its overall figures, there are still equal concerns for the rates of both shoplifting (252 offences) and antisocial behaviour (251 offences).

3. Flint (Fflint)

Overall Crime Rate Of 115.4 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Often mistaken for an English town given its close proximity to Merseyside, the Welsh settlement of Flint has a storied history but a concerning future, especially given its alarming crime rate of 115.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. That’s a startling 44% higher than the Wales-wide rate.

A closer look at Flint’s criminal issues reveals many of the problem areas we’d associate with the UK as a whole. That encompasses high figures in violent crime (469 offences), shoplifting (312 offences) and antisocial behaviour (311 offences) – all far higher than we’ve seen in previous years.

2. Llandudno

Overall Crime Rate Of 148.5 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Arguably one of Wales’ most infamous seaside destinations thanks to sweeping piers and promenades, Llandudno’s crime rate of 148.5 crimes per 1,000 residents sees the coastal favourite secure its place in infamy for all the wrong reasons.

Violent crime (1,040 offences) is the most common issue facing Llandudno’s locals and business owners and accounts for 1 in every 3 crimes committed in the area. That’s not the only problem, however – both antisocial behaviour (758 offences) and shoplifting (333 offences) are also concerningly high.

1. Rhyl (Y Rhyl)

Overall Crime Rate Of 188.9 Crimes Per 1,000 Residents

Officially the most dangerous area of Wales, Rhyl is also one of North Wales’ biggest holiday destinations, with its stretches of coastline and family-friendly attractions far overshadowed by the town’s crime rate of 188.9 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Violent crime (2,168 offences) is the most prominent issue for this seaside mainstay, taking up around 40% of all recorded crime in Rhyl. Beyond that, though, we find multiple major worries for residents and businesses alike, with Wales-leading rates of antisocial behaviour (939 offences), shoplifting (487 offences) and criminal damage (437 offences).

That’s alongside a rate of burglary (125 offences) that equates to one home burgled every 3 days.

Staying Safe In Wales: Safety Tips For Homes & Businesses

Although we’ve highlighted some of Wales’ most dangerous areas as part of this article, there are measures you can implement so you stay as safe as possible. Whether that’s simple, practical steps for remaining vigilant or investments you can make in your home or business to protect what matters most, everything you do makes a difference.

As a leading ACS-accredited provider, here’s what we’d recommend:

• Stay alert at nighttime. While it’s tempting to walk home wearing noise-cancelling headphones, nightlife hotspots like Cardiff and Swansea see a disproportionate amount of late-night crime. We’d recommend keeping at least one ear free at all times and looking up regularly from any device you might be using.
• Check your doors and windows. With the bulk of burglaries happening due to an unsecured front door, a simple yet surprisingly effective tip is making sure that all doors, windows and other entrance points are locked. That’s particularly important for areas like Rhyl, whose rate of burglary is far above the Welsh national average.
• Upgrade to a Secured By Design (SBD) product. This is a Police-recognised accreditation for products that are designed to offer additional reinforcement against aggravated or violent burglaries. This can be front doors, window latches, lockboxes, padlocks, or specialist business products.
• Invest in professional CCTV solutions. Essential for both larger homes (like those in the foothills of the Welsh valleys) and businesses of all sizes, professional CCTV installations are immensely beneficial for a range of reasons – deterrence, surveillance, and lower insurance premiums all mean that the initial outlay is far outweighed by the benefits.
• Consider your options for manned security. If you’re operating a larger logistics premises along the M4, or you’ve got a flagship retail store along Cardiff’s winding Arcades and the buzzing Tredegar Street, manned security guarding helps you put a visible, professional presence at your premises and deter theft before it happens.

There’s far more ProFM Group can do to protect your property across Wales.. If you’d like to learn more about how ProFM Group can support your property with effective, tailored security packages, get in touch with our expert team on 03444 779991 to see how we’ve supported major Welsh operations, including CAF Rolling Stock’s Newport facility.