Bridgend Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend's crime profile in September 2023 reflects a mix of persistent and emerging trends, with the overall rate at 8.5 per 1,000 residents—6.2% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.6%) and public order offences (12.9%). These figures are consistent with the area's character as a mid-sized town with a blend of urban and rural environments, where public spaces and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of September, marked by the return to school and university freshers, likely plays a role in the increased prevalence of public order and anti-social behaviour, as younger populations gather in social spaces. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary compared to the UK average (38% below) may indicate effective local security measures or demographic factors, such as a lower proportion of high-value properties. However, the significant increase in burglary this month—jumping from 17 to 36 incidents—suggests a sudden shift that warrants further attention, linked to seasonal changes in property activity or temporary vulnerabilities in certain areas. The data also highlights a marked discrepancy in UK comparisons: while public order offences are 77% above the national average, other categories like vehicle crime (58% below) and burglary (38% below) demonstrate areas where Bridgend performs better than the UK as a whole. This contrast underscores the importance of localized factors, such as the town's infrastructure, policing strategies, and community engagement initiatives, in shaping crime patterns. As the month transitions into autumn, the interplay between seasonal rhythms and local dynamics will likely continue to influence crime trends, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive responses from local authorities.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in September 2023 was the 111.8% increase in burglary, rising from 17 to 36 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with other notable shifts, including a 66.7% increase in theft from the person and a 55.6% rise in drug-related crimes. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 83.3% (from 6 to 1), and vehicle crime dropped by 42.6% (from 47 to 27). The crime mix also revealed stark UK comparisons: violence and sexual offences in Bridgend were 20% above the national average, while public order offences were 77% higher than the UK rate. These figures suggest a combination of local factors and broader trends, with anti-social behaviour remaining 10% below the UK average. For residents, the 111.8% surge in burglary highlights the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in areas with higher property values or seasonal activity.

Bridgend's overall crime rate in September 2023 rose to 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a 7.7% increase from August's 7.9 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 42 crimes reported daily, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the local crime environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 117 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents within the community. When compared to the UK average, Bridgend remains 6.2% above the national rate. The population context is critical here: with 147,530 residents, the scale of crime is distributed across a mix of urban and suburban areas, potentially influenced by factors like local amenities and seasonal patterns. While daily crime figures offer a snapshot, the monthly exposure metric underscores that the rate, though elevated, is not high when considering the area's size and demographics.