Bridgend Crime Rate

The Bridgend Local Authority District (LAD) recorded an overall crime rate of 83.1 per 1,000 people for the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This compares favourably to the UK national average of 91.7, positioning Bridgend as a relatively safe area with a safety score of 80/100 (compared to the UK average of 79/100). The crime trend in Bridgend is currently classified as stable, showing a very slight decrease of 0.2% year-over-year. This consistency suggests that the local safety environment is well-managed, with crime levels remaining steady. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the specific types of crime prevalent in the area and how they have fluctuated over the past year.

Bridgend is a local authority area in South Wales that encompasses a mix of bustling urban centres, industrial zones, and quiet rural villages. Historically significant as a market town, it now serves as a key residential and commercial hub along the M4 corridor, situated between the major cities of Cardiff and Swansea. This strategic location makes it an attractive place for commuters, which contributes to a transient population during the day. The area's economy is supported by various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and public services.

Factors influencing local crime statistics include the concentration of retail and nightlife in Bridgend town centre and Maesteg, which can lead to higher instances of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The presence of several large industrial estates and business parks also impacts property-related crime figures. While the overall population is relatively stable, the socio-economic diversity of the area—ranging from more affluent coastal communities like Porthcawl to former mining valleys—creates a varied crime profile across the district. These geographical and economic factors combine to shape the safety landscape for Bridgend's residents.

In Bridgend, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.2% of all reported incidents, with 5,050 crimes recorded annually. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 14.7%, followed by public order offences at 11.4%. Together, these three types represent two-thirds of all crime in the area, reflecting a trend often seen in regional hubs where social interactions and nightlife are concentrated.

Property-related crime in Bridgend has a combined rate of 21.1 per 1,000 people. This encompasses several categories, including criminal damage and arson (7.6%), shoplifting (7.5%), and other theft (4.5%). Vehicle crime and burglary are less frequent but still present, making up 2.9% and 2.0% of the total respectively. For local residents, this means that while the risk of property crime is lower than the UK average, it remains a consistent factor. Criminal damage and shoplifting are particularly prominent within this category, suggesting that both residential properties and local businesses are subject to opportunistic offences. Homeowners should remain aware that while burglary rates are low (1.6 per 1,000), the cumulative property crime rate still warrants sensible security precautions to protect vehicles and outbuildings.

The monthly crime trend in Bridgend shows a steady profile with some seasonal variation. Starting at a low of 5.3 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024, the rate saw a gradual rise through the spring, peaking at 7.8 in May 2025. Throughout the summer and early autumn, the rate remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between 6.4 and 7.7. The year ended with a rate of 6.8 in November 2025.

The year-over-year change of -0.2% confirms that Bridgend's crime landscape is exceptionally stable. This lack of significant change suggests that the factors influencing crime in the area are consistent and that local safety initiatives are effectively maintaining the status quo. For residents, this stability provides a level of predictability, though the slight increase during the spring and summer months suggests that warmer weather and longer days may lead to a minor uptick in reported incidents, likely linked to increased social activity and outdoor movement.

In a regional context, Bridgend has a higher reported crime rate (83.1 per 1,000) than its direct neighbours. Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the Vale of Glamorgan all show significantly lower crime profiles in the provided data. Similarly, nearby major centres like Swansea and Cardiff, along with Merthyr Tydfil, also report lower figures. This suggests that Bridgend may be a focal point for certain types of activity within the region, possibly due to its concentration of retail, transport links, and industrial employment. For residents, while the rate is higher than immediate neighbours, it is important to remember it still remains below the national average for the UK as a whole.

With a property crime rate of 21.1 per 1,000 people, residents of Bridgend enjoy a safer environment than many other parts of the UK. However, property-related offences like criminal damage and theft still occur, and proactive protection remains the most effective way to secure your home. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarms, are often reactive, providing you with footage of a crime after it has happened.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using advanced AI that monitors all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify potential threats at your property boundary before a break-in occurs. It is designed to recognise your family and routines, ensuring you aren't bothered by false alerts, but will respond autonomously to genuine threats. For example, if an unidentified person lingers near your vehicle or home at night, scOS can activate deterrent lighting or audio warnings. This immediate intervention often discourages criminals, who typically look for the easiest target. In Bridgend, where crime is stable, scOS provides the peace of mind that your home is actively guarded.

How To Keep Safe in Bridgend

The most common crime type in Bridgend is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 41% of all reports. To enhance your personal safety, especially in urban centres or during evening hours, it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use reputable taxi services or pre-planned transport.

While property crime is below the national average, the prevalence of criminal damage and theft suggests that basic home security is still essential. Ensure that side gates are locked and that garden tools or ladders are not left out, as these can be used to gain entry to your home. For vehicle safety, always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any bags or electronics on display. Being part of a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch can also provide valuable insights into any specific crime patterns emerging in your particular part of Bridgend, allowing you to take early preventative action.