Blaenau Gwent Crime Rate

Understanding Crime Statistics in Blaenau Gwent

Blaenau Gwent, with a population of 67,873, recorded an overall crime rate of 132.9 per 1,000 residents over the past year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is currently 70 out of 100, placing it below the national average safety score of 78/100. Encouragingly, the latest data indicates a positive trend, with the overall crime rate decreasing by 5.8% year-on-year. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed analysis of crime patterns and trends within Blaenau Gwent, offering valuable insights for residents and those considering moving to the area.

About Blaenau Gwent and its Crime Landscape

Blaenau Gwent is a local authority district in South Wales, characterised by its valley communities, which historically thrived on coal mining and ironworking. Today, it is predominantly a residential area with ongoing regeneration efforts, yet some communities face socio-economic challenges that can influence crime rates. Its landscape is a mix of urban settlements nestled within a broader rural and semi-rural environment. Major transport links connect its towns, facilitating movement but also potentially contributing to certain types of crime. The population of 67,873, while stable, experiences varying levels of transient populations due to local amenities and employment opportunities. These inherent characteristics, coupled with economic factors, help shape the crime statistics and safety perceptions across the district.

Crime Type Analysis in Blaenau Gwent

An in-depth look at crime types in Blaenau Gwent reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 35.3% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 47.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue, making up 19.4% of crimes at a rate of 25.9 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson rank third, representing 12.4% of incidents with a rate of 16.4 per 1,000.

Beyond these top three, property-related crime is a key concern for residents and homeowners, with a combined rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents. This encompasses a range of offences including burglary (3.8 per 1,000), other theft (6.8 per 1,000), shoplifting (6.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.3 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (16.4 per 1,000). While lower in individual rates, robbery (0.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000) also contribute to the overall property crime landscape. Understanding these figures is crucial for residents to assess risks and implement appropriate security measures to protect their homes and belongings.

Blaenau Gwent Crime Trends

The latest data for Blaenau Gwent shows a positive trend in crime rates, with an overall decrease of 5.8% year-on-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. In late 2024, the crime rate saw a dip from 12.8 in October to 9.8 in December, indicating a notable reduction towards the end of the year. However, early 2025 experienced a slight increase, rising to 10.6 in January and 11.1 in February, before reaching a peak of 13.9 in March. Following this, the trend generally moved downwards, with rates at 13.1 in April, 12.8 in May, and 11.9 in June, stabilising around this level through July (12.5) and August (12.0). These fluctuations highlight a dynamic environment, yet the overarching trajectory reflects a consistent effort to reduce crime across the district, offering reassurance to residents about the improving safety situation.

Blaenau Gwent Compared to Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive regional context, it is useful to compare Blaenau Gwent's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring local authorities. Torfaen, located to the south-east, presents a different profile, while Caerphilly to the west shares some similar characteristics as a valley community. Merthyr Tydfil, further west, is another area with a post-industrial heritage often compared to Blaenau Gwent. To the east, the more rural Monmouthshire typically exhibits lower crime rates, offering a contrast in regional safety. Rhondda Cynon Taf, a larger valley authority, provides a broader comparative perspective on crime in the South Wales Valleys. Lastly, the city of Newport, a major urban centre, represents a more metropolitan crime landscape, highlighting the diverse safety situations within the region. Understanding these comparisons helps residents gauge Blaenau Gwent's position within the wider South Wales area.

Proactive Protection in Blaenau Gwent

With a property crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents in Blaenau Gwent, protecting your home and belongings is a key consideration. While traditional security measures like basic CCTV systems can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. Similarly, many DIY security systems only notify you after a break-in has occurred, leaving you in a reactive position.

True security lies in prevention. This is where advanced solutions like an AI-powered home security operating system, such as scOS, offer a significant advantage. Instead of merely documenting crime, scOS is designed to detect threats at your property boundary before an intruder even has a chance to enter. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, it watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning distinguishes between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. If a real threat is detected, scOS can activate lights and engage speakers, creating an autonomous response that destroys the element of surprise and often causes burglars to move on within seconds. For residents seeking professional-grade protection that actively intervenes to prevent crime, rather than just recording it, exploring proactive security solutions is a sensible step.