Bridgend Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend's overall crime rate in January 2024 stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 10.8% below the UK average of 7.4. This performance positions the area as one of the safer local authority districts in the country, with a consistent pattern of lower-than-average crime levels. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.5% of all reported incidents—exactly matching the UK average rate of 2.6 per 1,000. This suggests that while violent crime remains a significant concern in Bridgend, the local rate aligns closely with national trends. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, contributing 12% of the total, but at a rate 40% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be linked to the area's retail presence, with high streets and shopping centres likely contributing to the higher-than-average shoplifting figures. Public order offences also exceeded the UK average by 46%, potentially reflecting the impact of seasonal factors such as reduced daylight hours and post-holiday activity. The seasonal context of January—marked by shorter days, post-holiday periods, and reduced retail footfall—likely influenced the overall crime profile, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of this time of year. These patterns highlight the interplay between local geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime trends. While violent crime remains a persistent issue, the overall lower-than-average rate indicates that Bridgend's policing strategies or community engagement efforts may be contributing to a relatively safer environment compared to other parts of the UK.

January 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Robbery incidents increased by 50%, rising from 2 to 3 cases, a shift that may reflect targeted activity in high-traffic areas. Theft from the person also rose by 33.3%, with four incidents reported, potentially linked to increased footfall in certain parts of the town. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50%, dropping from 2 to 1, a trend that could be attributed to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity. Vehicle crime rose by 26.2%, from 42 to 53 incidents, influenced by colder weather driving increased vehicle-related incidents. Other crime decreased by 20%, with 24 reports, indicating a potential reduction in less severe but still significant offences. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Bridgend, where certain categories remain above or below the UK average. For instance, shoplifting in Bridgend was 40% higher than the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 39% lower, suggesting a combination of local demographics and crime patterns.

Bridgend's crime rate remained stable in January 2024, matching the previous month's figure of 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall crime trends during the period, despite seasonal factors typically influencing activity. Daily crime statistics show an average of 31 reported incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 151 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Bridgend in a relatively safer position compared to the UK average. This statistic, when considered alongside the local population of 147,530, highlights the proportion of residents affected by crime on a monthly basis. The stability in rates, combined with the lower-than-average exposure figure, may reflect ongoing community initiatives or policing strategies that have maintained a consistent level of crime prevention, even during the post-holiday period.