Bridgend Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend’s crime rate in December 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 25.4% below the UK average of 7.1. This marked a consistent trend in the local authority’s overall safety profile, which has remained well below national levels for several years. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.5% of all reported incidents—2.3 per 1,000 residents, 10% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 14.1% of the total crime count (0.7 per 1,000), 26% below the UK rate. These figures suggest a broader pattern of lower violent crime compared to other areas, which may reflect Bridgend’s relatively stable community structures and lower population density than major urban centres. The seasonal context of December—characterised by long evenings, holiday shopping, and temporary home vacancies—typically correlates with increased property crime in many regions. However, Bridgend’s property crime rate was 1.2 per 1,000 (181 incidents), significantly lower than the UK average for similar areas. This could be attributed to the town’s mixed urban-rural character, where commercial zones are interspersed with residential areas that may foster stronger community oversight. The data also highlights a notable absence of certain crime types, such as bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) and possession of weapons (0.0 per 1,000), both 100% below their respective UK averages. These trends align with Bridgend’s moderate retail presence and the absence of major university campuses, which often correlate with higher rates of specific offences like shoplifting or anti-social behaviour. The overall crime profile suggests a town where local policing efforts, community engagement, and geographical factors may collectively contribute to sustained safety outcomes, even during peak seasonal periods.

December 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime types, with theft from the person jumping 300% (1 to 4 incidents) and robbery doubling (1 to 2). These increases contrast with sharp declines in shoplifting (-32.8%, 67 to 45) and other theft (-34%, 53 to 35). The crime mix also shifted, with violent crimes making up 44.5% of all reports—substantially higher than the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000 vs 2.3 per 1,000). Public order offences, however, were 11% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000 vs 0.5 per 1,000), a rare outlier in Bridgend’s otherwise lower-than-average crime profile. Vehicle crime rose by 21.4% (14 to 17), though it remained 75% below the UK average. These changes may reflect the month’s unique dynamics: while empty homes over holidays could have increased opportunities for theft, the overall reduction in shoplifting suggests effective retail security measures or seasonal shopper behaviour. The sharp rise in theft from the person, though small in absolute terms, highlights the need for targeted awareness around personal safety during late-night shopping or festive events. Residents may find the 47% lower-than-UK-average rate for shoplifting (0.3 vs 0.6 per 1,000) reassuring, indicating that local retailers have likely adapted to seasonal risks with enhanced surveillance or staff training.

Bridgend’s December 2024 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 marked a 13.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.1, continuing a downward trend that has persisted for much of 2024. This reduction aligns with the monthly exposure metric: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 190 residents, a figure that is lower than the UK average for similar-sized towns. On a daily basis, Bridgend recorded an average of 25 crimes per day—a figure that, while consistent with the area’s historical patterns, remains well below the UK average for comparable regions. The population-scaled perspective further underscores Bridgend’s safety: with 147,530 residents, the town’s crime rate is a reflection of both its demographic composition and local infrastructure. For instance, the absence of major university campuses, which often correlate with higher rates of anti-social behaviour and theft, may contribute to the lower-than-average rates observed in categories like shoplifting and bicycle theft. However, the 11% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average raises questions about specific local factors, such as temporary events or transient populations during the festive season. These comparative metrics offer residents a clear benchmark for understanding their community’s safety relative to national trends, while also highlighting areas where local strategies have been effective in mitigating crime risks.