Bettws Crime Rate

Bettws is a relatively safe residential community in Bridgend, with an overall crime rate of 71.9 per 1,000 people. This sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7, earning the village a safety score of 80/100. One of the most encouraging aspects of the local data is the significant downward trend in crime, with reported offences falling by 23.6% over the last year. While property crime remains very low at 10.0 per 1,000, the area does see a higher proportion of violence and sexual offences compared to other categories. This guide examines the detailed crime statistics for Bettws, providing residents with a clear understanding of local safety patterns and practical advice for staying secure.

Bettws experiences a crime profile heavily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 59.4% of all reports (98 crimes). This is followed by public order offences at 10.3% and anti-social behaviour at 8.5%. While the high percentage of violence is notable, the overall volume of crime in Bettws remains below the UK average, suggesting these incidents may be concentrated rather than widespread.

Property crime in Bettws is relatively low, with a rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly better than the national average of 32.3. Within this category, other theft (4.8%) and criminal damage (5.5%) are the most common issues. Burglary is remarkably rare, with only 2 incidents reported in the entire year, resulting in a rate of just 0.9 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime is also low at 1.3 per 1,000. For residents, this means that while interpersonal conflicts are the primary statistical concern, the risk of falling victim to property-related crimes like housebreaking or car theft is very low compared to the rest of the UK.

The crime trend in Bettws is currently very positive, with a 23.6% year-over-year decrease in total offences. This significant drop indicates a safer environment for residents compared to the previous year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that after a peak in March (10.5 crimes per 1,000), the rate stabilised, with most months staying between 4.4 and 7.4.

The spike in March was an outlier, with subsequent months like June, July, September, and October all recording a much lower rate of 4.4. This suggests that the overall trend is one of improvement, despite occasional monthly fluctuations. For residents, this downward trajectory is a reassuring sign that the community is becoming more secure, with the overall volume of crime remaining well below national averages.

How To Keep Safe in Bettws

The most common crime type in Bettws is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 60% of all reports. While this often includes non-stranger incidents, it is important to remain aware of your personal safety in public spaces.

When out in the village, particularly during the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid cut-throughs or unlit paths. If you are walking home late, having a charged mobile phone and staying alert to your surroundings is recommended.

For home security, even though burglary is rare (only 2 cases last year), it is wise to maintain good habits. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are inside. Given that vehicle crime accounts for a portion of night-time incidents, always double-check that your car is locked and that no valuables—such as tools, electronics, or bags—are left inside. Finally, consider installing a smart doorbell or a proactive perimeter security system to deter anti-social behaviour and provide a clear view of anyone approaching your property.

Crime in Bettws follows a clear daily cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most frequent issue, accounting for 58% and 64% of reports respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are most likely to occur when people are active or away from their homes during the day.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm to midnight), the focus shifts toward 'other' crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, making up 44% of incidents. Overnight, from midnight to 6am, vehicle crime becomes much more prominent, representing 37% of crimes in that window. Burglary also peaks in its relative percentage during the night (16%), though the actual number of incidents remains extremely low. This data indicates that while daytime safety is about being alert to theft, night-time security should focus on protecting vehicles and the home perimeter.

Bettws occupies a secure position within the local region. Its crime rate of 71.9 per 1,000 is notably lower than the 92.4 recorded in nearby Sarn and the 99.4 seen in Maesteg. While it cannot match the zero-crime statistics of very small rural hamlets like Llangeinor, Pant-yr-Awel, or Blackmill, it remains a much safer alternative to the larger urban settlements in Bridgend. For those looking for a balance between community size and security, Bettws offers a statistically safer environment than the surrounding major towns, backed by a strong improving trend in recent months.

With a property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000, Bettws is significantly safer than the national average, but the prevalence of violence and public order offences in the area suggests that personal security is just as important as protecting belongings. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive—they only alert you or record footage once a crime is already in progress.

scOS provides a different level of protection by being proactive. Its AI-driven system monitors your property's perimeter, detecting potential threats before they escalate. In an area where public order and anti-social behaviour are among the top concerns, scOS can identify loiterers or suspicious activity at your boundary and trigger autonomous responses like turning on lights or playing a warning. This prevents incidents from ever reaching your front door. For Bettws homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention ensures that your home remains a safe haven, regardless of the trends in the wider neighbourhood.