Bridgend Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend's crime rate for July 2023 stood at 7.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.3% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area's relative safety compared to the national picture, though local crime patterns reveal distinct characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.2% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category. This is consistent with Bridgend's position as a mid-sized urban centre with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where interpersonal conflicts may be more common during the summer months. Anti-social behaviour followed at 18.7% of total crimes, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing community disturbances. The seasonal context of July—marked by schools being out, increased tourism, and festivals—likely contributed to the distribution of crime types. For instance, public order offences, which rose to 11.1% of total crimes, may have been influenced by the higher volume of outdoor events and public spaces being utilised during the summer. However, Bridgend's property crime rates, including shoplifting and burglary, are lower than the UK average, reflecting effective local policing or the area's economic profile. This contrast between violent and property crime rates underscores the need for targeted strategies that address the unique dynamics of the region, particularly in managing public order during peak tourist seasons.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 200% increase in robbery offences, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This spike contrasts with a 28.7% decline in public order offences, which dropped from 164 to 117—a shift possibly linked to seasonal changes in public gatherings. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 13.5%, though this category remains 8% below the UK average. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 10.5%, aligning with a broader trend of property crime rates being significantly lower than the UK average. Public order offences in Bridgend are 29% above the national average, suggesting that local factors—such as the presence of festivals or outdoor events—may amplify this category. Bicycle theft also doubled, reflecting a 100% increase from the prior month, which could tie to summer tourism or increased cycling during warmer weather.

Bridgend's crime rate in July 2023 fell to 7.2 per 1,000 residents, an 8.2% decline from the previous month's 7.8 per 1,000. This marks a continued downward trend, though the area still maintains a 13.3% gap below the UK average. On a daily basis, 34 crimes were reported across the 31 days of July, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 139 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure contextualises the rate in human terms, showing that while crime remains a concern, its frequency is lower than the national average. The population of 147,530 further scales these numbers, meaning the localised nature of crime in Bridgend—particularly in specific categories like public order and anti-social behaviour—may reflect community-specific dynamics rather than broader national trends. The decrease in public order offences, for instance, could align with the summer season's shift in social activity patterns, such as fewer evening events or changes in policing priorities.