Blaenau Gwent Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Blaenau Gwent's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 11.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 50.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure highlights a persistent challenge for the local authority, though the data reveals some notable patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and criminal damage and arson (12.3%). These figures align with the area's broader profile as a region where public order issues and property-related crimes remain significant concerns. Seasonal factors may have contributed to these patterns, with November's shorter evenings and the proximity of Bonfire Night potentially increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and disorder. The high proportion of violent crimes compared to the UK average—81% above for this category—suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas where incidents are concentrated. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown shows that certain categories, such as shoplifting and other theft, performed below the UK average, indicating potential success in specific policing strategies or community initiatives. The data also reflects the impact of seasonal shopping periods, with Black Friday likely influencing patterns of retail-related crime, though this remains speculative without further contextual data. These figures must be considered alongside the local context of Blaenau Gwent, a historically industrial area with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, where community engagement and economic factors may intersect with crime trends.

November 2023 saw an 8.4% decrease in Blaenau Gwent's overall crime rate compared to October, moving from 12.3 to 11.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while modest, is notable in a region that typically experiences higher-than-average crime levels. Among the most significant month-on-month changes were the 100% increase in theft from the person (from 0 to 1 incident) and the 60% rise in 'other crime' (from 10 to 16 cases). These spikes may reflect isolated incidents or shifts in criminal activity patterns during the month. Conversely, several categories showed reductions, including robbery (-50%), bicycle theft (-50%), and drugs-related offences (-40%). The latter decrease in drug-related crimes may be partly explained by law enforcement actions or seasonal factors. Violent crimes remained the largest category, with 320 incidents (4.7 per 1,000 residents), 81% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour also showed a marked disparity, with 126 incidents (1.9 per 1,000) compared to the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. These figures underscore the need for sustained efforts in addressing public order issues. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) suggests that local retail security measures or community engagement initiatives may be yielding some benefits.

Blaenau Gwent's crime rate in November 2023 (11.3 per 1,000) represents an 8.4% decline from the previous month's rate of 12.3 per 1,000. This reduction, though small, is significant in a region that consistently reports higher-than-average crime levels. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace at which incidents occur in local communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 89 residents, a metric that highlights the frequency of criminal activity relative to the population. This monthly exposure rate is particularly relevant for residents considering the risk profile of the area, though this is an aggregate measure and does not account for variations in individual risk factors. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Blaenau Gwent's crime rate is 50.7% above the UK average, a disparity that underscores the unique challenges faced by the local authority. This gap is most pronounced in categories such as violence and sexual offences, where the rate is 81% above the UK average. These figures must be interpreted with care, as they reflect both the local context of Blaenau Gwent—a historically industrial area with a complex mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics—and the broader national crime picture.