Bridgend Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend’s December 2023 crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 8.3% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a figure that reflects the local authority’s overall performance against national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 44.0% of all reported incidents and marking an 11% increase compared to the UK average. This category’s prominence may be tied to the festive season’s social dynamics, including increased public interactions and potential tensions during the holiday period. Public order offences and shoplifting followed closely, contributing 10.8% and 10.4% respectively, both of which exceeded the UK averages by 46% and 43%. These spikes could be attributed to the heightened foot traffic in retail areas during the Christmas shopping peak, as well as the impact of dark evenings and empty homes over the holidays. In contrast, anti-social behaviour remained 35% below the UK average, a deviation that might reflect Bridgend’s unique community characteristics or effective local interventions. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, holiday gatherings, and a surge in retail activity—likely influenced these patterns, with certain crime types benefiting from or being exacerbated by the month’s rhythms. While the overall rate remains lower than the national average, the above-average rates in violent and public order crimes highlight areas for continued focus in the coming months.

December saw a 57.1% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 14 to 22 incidents, a shift that may reflect seasonal factors such as holiday gatherings or disrupted routines. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50%, dropping from 4 to 2, possibly linked to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather. Public order offences and shoplifting both exceeded UK averages by 46% and 43% respectively, likely influenced by the festive season’s impact on retail and social environments. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 35% below the UK average, a trend that could indicate effective community policing or lower incidents in public spaces. The decrease in robbery and theft from the person—both down 50% and 40% respectively—suggests a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during the month, though this remains to be confirmed by further analysis.

Bridgend’s December 2023 crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 3.2% decline from the previous month’s 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but consistent trend in recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 31 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 151 residents, a monthly exposure rate that aligns with the local population of 147,530. This figure provides a tangible sense of scale for those living in the area, highlighting that while crime remains a concern, the overall risk per individual remains relatively low. When compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, Bridgend’s rate is 8.3% lower, a difference that underscores the local authority’s performance relative to national trends. However, this aggregate figure masks variations in specific crime categories, which the breakdown reveals in more detail.