Bridgend Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 147,530 residents, Bridgend recorded 1,039 crimes in April 2023, translating to a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 people. This figure places the area 6.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, marking a relatively safer performance compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.1%) and public order offences (12%). These patterns may partly explain the area's higher-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (10% above UK) and public order offences (41% above UK), which could reflect the social dynamics of a mid-sized town with a mix of urban and rural characteristics. April's seasonal context—marked by Easter celebrations, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have contributed to higher incidents of public order and anti-social behaviour, though the exact causal link remains speculative. Property crimes (260 incidents) made up a smaller share of the total (25%) compared to the UK average, which may reflect Bridgend's lower levels of vehicle crime (56% below UK average) and burglary (67% below UK average), influenced by local infrastructure or policing strategies.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft (+300%) and robbery (+300%) compared to March, with both crimes rising from one to four reported incidents. This surge may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased cycling during spring or the Easter holiday period, which could have disrupted usual patterns of activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 37.5% (from eight to five incidents), suggesting a possible temporary reduction in related offences. The crime mix also shifted significantly, with violence and sexual offences (38% of total) outpacing property crimes (25%), a trend consistent with UK averages but amplified locally. Public order offences, at 12%, were 41% above the UK average, reflecting the impact of Easter events or heightened youth activity in public spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose 78.6% (from 14 to 25 incidents), which may indicate seasonal changes in parking patterns or increased travel during the Easter break. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Bridgend, with month-on-month variations offering insights into how local rhythms and external factors influence criminal activity.

Bridgend's crime rate in April 2023 (7.0 per 1,000) marked a 16.7% increase from March's rate of 6.0 per 1,000, indicating a notable rise in reported incidents over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 35 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity in the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 142 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for the frequency of incidents in a population of 147,530. This rate, while below the UK average, contrasts with the UK's broader trends in categories such as vehicle crime, where Bridgend's rate was 56% below the national average. The disparity may reflect local factors such as effective policing in high-risk areas or the presence of infrastructure that deters certain types of crime. However, the rise in violence and sexual offences—4% above the UK average—suggests that specific challenges in Bridgend, such as community tensions or targeted interventions, may require further attention. These comparisons illustrate the combination of local conditions and national trends, offering residents a clearer picture of how their area's crime profile aligns with or diverges from broader patterns.