Bridgend Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Bridgend

Bridgend, a Local Authority District in South Wales, reports an overall crime rate of 82.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure positions Bridgend as safer than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, reflected in its commendable safety score of 81 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average of 78. In the past year, Bridgend has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight decrease of 3.0% year-over-year. This overview provides context for a deeper dive into the specific crime types, trends, and safety measures relevant to the area.

About Bridgend

Bridgend is a prominent town and local authority district in South Wales, characterised by a blend of urban and suburban environments. Its strategic location along the M4 corridor and its railway station make it a significant transport hub, contributing to both local commerce and a degree of transient population flow. The area features a bustling town centre with retail and commercial activities, alongside extensive residential neighbourhoods.

These characteristics can influence crime patterns. The presence of a commercial hub and transport links often correlates with higher rates of certain crimes such as shoplifting and other theft. Similarly, a mix of residential zones and public spaces can see varying levels of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. While Bridgend's population of 147,530 is relatively stable, the dynamics of urban living, coupled with economic factors and local amenities, all play a role in shaping the overall crime statistics and the perceived safety score of the area.

Crime Type Analysis in Bridgend

An analysis of crime statistics in Bridgend reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 4,927 incidents, or 33.4 per 1,000 people, representing 40.7% of all reported crimes. Following this, anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue with 1,829 incidents (12.4 per 1,000, 15.1% of total), and public order offences rank third, with 1,377 incidents (9.3 per 1,000, 11.4% of total). These figures highlight areas where community and public safety efforts are most concentrated.

Focusing on property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Bridgend records 3,069 incidents annually. This translates to a property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures is crucial. While overall property crime is below the national average, vigilance regarding home security and personal belongings remains important, particularly given the prevalence of 'other theft' and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Bridgend

Bridgend has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a marginal decrease of 3.0% in total crimes reported year-over-year. This stability suggests that crime levels have remained relatively consistent. Looking at the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a dip in late 2024, reaching a low of 5.3 in December. Following this, there was a gradual increase into the spring and summer months of 2025, peaking at 7.8 in May, before showing another decline towards September with a rate of 6.4. This seasonal pattern, with lower rates in winter and higher activity in warmer months, is a common observation in crime statistics.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Bridgend's crime rate of 82.0 per 1,000 residents can be compared with neighbouring Local Authority Districts. While specific crime rates for each are not provided, Bridgend's overall safety score of 81/100 positions it favourably within the region. Areas such as Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, and Cardiff form part of the broader South Wales landscape. Understanding Bridgend's statistics in relation to these areas helps residents and potential movers gauge its relative safety and crime patterns within the regional context.

Protecting Your Home in Bridgend

Given Bridgend's property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people, residents may wish to consider robust home security measures. Traditional security approaches often focus on recording incidents after they occur, such as CCTV systems that provide footage of a burglary. However, a more effective strategy centres on proactive prevention, stopping crime before it happens.

Advanced AI-powered systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than just recording a break-in. By leveraging multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning, scOS is designed to identify real threats and initiate an autonomous response. This includes activating lights and engaging speakers, which can destroy the element of surprise and deter potential intruders within the critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, providing a proactive defence that intervenes in real-time, making your property a less appealing target for criminals.